By Mapaballo Borotho
- Sixteen people have died after a bus carrying 73 passengers overturned on the N1 near Touws River in the Western Cape.
- Emergency services responded to the crash shortly after midnight, while a stop-and-go system remains in place to manage traffic.
- Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.
At least 16 people have died and several others have been injured after a bus overturned on the N1 near Touws River in the Western Cape.
The crash occurred shortly after midnight on Thursday, 2 July 2026.
Western Cape traffic chief Maxine Bezuidenhout said emergency services have been on the scene since the early hours of Thursday morning.
“We confirm an incident on the N1 near Touws River at approximately 12am on Thursday, where a bus transporting 73 South African residents overturned,” she said.
“Tragically, 16 people have lost their lives, while two others sustained serious injuries.”
A stop-and-go system has been implemented on the affected section of the N1 to allow emergency personnel to continue their work.
Bezuidenhout urged motorists travelling through the area to exercise caution, expect delays and follow the instructions of traffic officials.
The cause of the crash remains under police investigation.
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