READ: Catastrophic crash on N1 at Matjiesfontein kills one, injures three.

On May 7, 2025, a collision between a double cab bakkie and a truck on the N1 highway at Matjiesfontein, between Touws River and Laingsburg, resulted in one fatality and three injuries, one serious.

The truck driver stated the bakkie veered into his lane after losing control. Despite attempting to swerve to the shoulder, he could not avoid the impact. The bakkie driver was trapped in the wreckage, requiring the Jaws of Life for extrication.

Emergency services worked over three hours to free the victims. A witness described the bakkie as "mangled badly," noting the intense rescue efforts. Western Cape emergency services confirmed one person was declared dead at the scene, with three others injured.

The incident, under investigation, highlights ongoing road safety concerns on the N1, a critical South African highway. Further details are pending.