Minister Carlisle and Minister Plato: Reaction to N1 Crash

Transport and Public Works and Community Safety ministers, Robin Carlisle and Dan Plato, will closely monitor the investigation into this morning's horror crash on the N1, which claimed the lives of 20 commuters.

At least 14 people have been admitted to hospital, with two in a critical condition.

Two taxis heading in the direction of Cape Town crashed into the side of a truck on the N1 near Prince Albert at around 02:00.

Minister Carlisle says that the crash is another terrible tragedy on our roads that has shaken our province.

"Despite the fact that our Safely Home campaign has brought down Western Cape road fatalities by 23%, these major crashes, which often wipe out entire families, are continuing to happen."

"We are intensifying the focus on these incidents and plans are underway to consult with the appropriate experts to find ways of further reducing the chances of these tragedies from happening," says Carlisle.

Minister Dan Plato has conveyed his sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives.

"This government is leaving no stone unturned to increase safety on our roads and to bring down the number of road incidents and fatalities in the province."

"Ultimately what we need and what we are building is a culture of responsibility where everyone feels responsible for safety and pursues it on a daily basis."

"People need to start realising that every road user's actions can either save or claim a life. That life can be yours or the life of a loved one," says Minister Plato.