Five people were killed in the early hours of Saturday, 30 August 2025, in a Ysterberg Mountain accident on the N1 highway between Mokopane and Polokwane. Two sedans collided head-on, leaving four victims burnt beyond recognition. Two others survived but sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital.
According to Limpopo police, the cause of the crash is still under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest one of the vehicles may have attempted to overtake when the collision occurred.
What happened on the N1 near Ysterberg Mountain
The collision happened in the Capricorn District, a busy stretch of the N1 that connects Polokwane and Mokopane.
Emergency services arrived quickly at the scene, but the force of the crash and the fire that followed meant that several victims had no chance of survival.
Police confirmed that four people were burnt beyond recognition, which means their bodies were so badly damaged by the flames that they cannot immediately be identified.
Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, expressed condolences to the families of the victims. She also wished the injured survivors a speedy recovery.
“Our hearts are with the families and next of kin of those who lost their loved ones. I urge all road users to be patient and responsible. These crashes are deeply concerning and often linked to reckless driving,” she said.
Provincial transport spokesperson Mike Chuene added:
“Reckless driving has not been ruled out as a contributing factor.”
Dangers of the Ysterberg route
The Ysterberg Mountain stretch of the N1 is known as a dangerous section of road. Authorities say poor visibility during early mornings and late evenings has contributed to a rise in crashes.
In addition, bad weather such as hailstorms and slippery road conditions have made the route even more hazardous in recent weeks.
On 7 August 2025, a hailstorm caused slippery conditions along the same section of the N1.
Two accidents were recorded that day, including another head-on collision, though with fewer injuries.
The Limpopo Department of Transport confirmed that plans are underway to improve safety along the Ysterberg Mountain route. This may include increasing visibility, better road signs, and more traffic monitoring.
Officials have urged motorists to reduce their speed, keep a safe following distance, and avoid risky overtaking on this busy highway.
