A horror crash on the N1 near Polokwane claimed the life of a motorist and left 12 SAPS members injured after a sedan collided with a police minibus, which caught fire. Emergency services and motorists rushed to the scene to help rescue the injured.
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Twelve South African Police Service (SAPS) members were injured and a motorist was killed after a vehicle burst into flames following a collision on the N1 freeway outside Polokwane.
The fatal crash happened near Astron Filling Station at about 7pm on Friday.
According to Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Mashudu Mabata, the crash involved a sedan travelling northbound and a SAPS minibus.
The sedan allegedly veered out of its lane before colliding with the SAPS minibus, which subsequently caught fire.
Mabata said the crash claimed the life of the sedan driver.
The injured SAPS members were taken to various medical facilities across the province, where they were receiving treatment.
MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye expressed her heartfelt wishes for the injured officers and condolences to the family of the deceased motorist.
"MEC Mathye wishes to send heartfelt well wishes and a speedy recovery to the twelve SAPS members who sustained injuries in this tragic incident and are receiving medical care at various facilities across the province," Mabata said.
The incident also prompted a swift response from motorists, law enforcement officers, traffic officials and emergency services, who worked to extinguish the fire and assist those trapped or injured in the crash.
"We commend the swift response by motorists, law enforcement, traffic officers and emergency services who acted decisively to extinguish the fire and rescue the injured. Their bravery saved lives this evening," said Mathye.
Mathye also praised Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers for immediately making his way to the crash scene.
The circumstances surrounding the collision are expected to be investigated.
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