Motorists advised to avoid M1 South as multiple fatalities reported in a major crash.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

At least five people have been killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the M1 south near the Athol Oaklands offramp in Johannesburg on Monday.

The accident took place when the Ford Ranger bakkie lost control due to brake failure, launched into oncoming traffic and crashed into a police van transporting prisoners en route from Alexandra Magistrate’s Court to Sun City.

Police and emergency services are on the scene to assist, conduct rescue operations.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla says the M1 South is currently closed off.

“Medical teams and police are on scene. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined by the JMPD and it’s still to be investigated by the police but it is alleged that the police vehicle was transporting suspects from court when the accident occurred. Vehicles are being diverted off Corlett Drive and at Grayston Drive as well, Motorists to rather use Louis Botha Avenue, Oxford Road or Jan Smuts Avenue as alternative routes.”

Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku from the scene said, that the driver of a 4×4 lost control of their vehicle after colliding with a Mini Cooper and crashing into multiple cars, including the SAPS vehicle.

On Monday, another incident claimed seven lives on R566 Rosslyn Road across Doornplaat in North West.

According to Arrive Alive in a statement, a BMW hit a truck, then the truck fell of the road into the fields.

“Debris pieces from both car and truck lay across the road as well as the bodies of the victims who died in the collision. Hartbeespoort Emergency Medical Services along with Station 21 were quickly on the scene to offer assistance to the victims. All thanks to the traffic officer who controlled the traffic/cars away from the scene,” said Arrive Alive.

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