The N1 highway outside Louis Trichardt in Limpopo has reopened in both directions following a truck crash that caused temporary closure. A truck driver lost control, collided with three vehicles, and the truck fell into a ditch where it caught fire near the Hendrik Verwoerd tunnel.
On February 22, 2026, a truck crash disrupted traffic on the N1 highway north of Louis Trichardt in Limpopo province. According to Transport Department spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala, the incident occurred on a mountainous section near the Hendrik Verwoerd tunnel. The truck driver lost control, struck three vehicles, veered into a ditch, and caught fire.
Emergency services, traffic officers, and police responded promptly to the scene. The truck driver sustained injuries and was hospitalized. Initially, the northbound lane was closed, but by later that evening, the highway had reopened in both directions.
Taueatsoala provided updates on the situation, emphasizing the role of emergency personnel. A tweet from Arrive Alive highlighted the accident with the hashtag #ArriveAlive and #TruckCrash. This incident follows a recent bus crash in Limpopo that killed six people when the vehicle plunged into a gorge.
The N1 is a vital route in South Africa, and such accidents underscore ongoing road safety challenges in rugged terrains.