Two people died on Tuesday (21 July) evening on the R45 in Franschhoek following an accident involving a truck and a car.

According to Kurt Maske, a local paramedic, several injured people were treated on the scene.

“Two fatal, two with critical injuries and the rest moderate to serious injuries.”

The Franschhoek First Responders were also on the scene and helped in providing medical assistance to the injured.

In the meantime, Stellenbosch Municipality confirmed the fatal accident.

“Stellenbosch Municipality is aware of a tragic motor vehicle accident that occurred on the R45 near Paserene Wine Farm outside Franschhoek.

“The incident involved a head-on collision between a motor vehicle and a truck,” reads their statement.

Shortly after the accident traffic services implemented a stop-and-go traffic system to help regulate traffic within the area where the accident took place.

It is believed that the truck involved was transporting agricultural workers.

The cause of the accident is at this stage unknown, says Maske.

An enquiry was sent to the Western Cape police with regards to the incident and Capt Frederick van Wyk provided feedback.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that it was a head-on collision between a light motor vehicle traveling from Franschhoek that collided with a truck travelling to Franschhoek on the R45 road.

“The middle-aged driver of the light motor vehicle died on the scene due to injuries sustained, as well as one passenger who was sitting on the back of the truck carrying 28 other workers of a nearby farm.

“Five occupants of the truck were taken to a nearby medical facility where their injuries were seen to.”

The Franschhoek police have since opened a culpable homicide investigation.

Van Wyk added: “Anyone with information about this fatal accident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”