The accident, which took place at approximately 06:23, involved two trucks and a light motor vehicle. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, but upon arrival, all four passengers in the light motor vehicle were declared dead.

Sipho Towa, Free State provincial chairperson of the Road Incident Management System, confirmed the fatalities and said authorities are working to establish the cause of the accident.

Emergency personnel and the police remain on the scene. The road is now open, but motorists are urged to make use of alternative routes. Authorities have advised motorists in the vicinity to exercise caution while operations and investigations continue.

The accident comes just days after the provincial launch of the Safer Festive Season campaign, which took place on Tuesday (7/10) on the N1 north of Bloemfontein. The initiative, led by police and traffic officials, aims to improve road safety and reduce accidents during the holiday season.

During the campaign launch, law enforcement conducted roadblocks, inspecting vehicles for stolen goods, illegal firearms, drugs, and immigration violations, while also raising public awareness around road safety regulations.

Towa said updates will be provided as the investigations progress.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg