Seven people have been killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the N4 toll road between Mbombela and Ngondwana in Mpumalanga.

The collision, which took place at around 04:00 on Thursday morning, involved two minibus-taxis and an articulated truck near the Schagen intersection.

Provincial Community Safety, Security and Liaison Department spokesperson Moeti Mmusi confirmed the death toll, saying three people were burnt beyond recognition after one of the minibuses caught fire on impact.

According to the truck driver, a blue minibus lost its trailer and began driving in the middle of the road. The truck driver attempted to move out of the way but lost control of the vehicle and collided with the trailer.

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The truck then jackknifed across the road. A second minibus, which was travelling to Johannesburg, subsequently crashed into the truck.

Four people were killed in the collision, including three who were trapped inside the burning minibus. A fourth person was found dead at the scene, although it remains unclear whether this individual was an occupant or a pedestrian.

The affected section of the N4 between the Schagen intersection and the Sudwala interchange has been closed to traffic to allow emergency services to conduct their operations and for investigators to examine the scene.

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