At least 21 people were killed when two minibus taxis and an SUV collided on a highway in South Africa’s Western Cape province.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said the crash happened between Leeu-Gamka and Prince Albert, about 380 kilometres  northeast of Cape Town.

South Africa has one of the continent’s most developed road networks but continues to struggle with a high rate of road deaths, largely blamed on speeding, reckless driving, unroadworthy vehicles and the failure to use seat belts.

“According to the information 21 persons sustained fatal injuries,” the RTMC said in a brief statement.

Police said they had opened a culpable homicide investigation following the crash and said “several other occupants” had been hospitalised.

CHANNELS