Three vehicles were involved in M1 crash that left cop and prisoners dead

Details of the crash that claimed the lives of a police officer and four prison inmates on the M1 near Melrose in Johannesburg have been released. 

The accident happened at about 4.15pm on the M1 south just past the Corlett Drive off-ramp, Johannesburg emergency medical services (EMS) said.

“Three vehicles were involved. A Nissan NP300 SAPS bakkie, Ford Ranger and Mercedes-Benz, said Johannesburg metro police spokesperson Xolani Fihla.

“The Nissan had six occupants. Five individuals died in the crash — the male driver and four passengers, one female and three males. One female passenger from the Nissan sustained serious injuries,” Fihla said. 

He confirmed police were transporting the prisoners from court.

Earlier reports stated that the accident occurred “after the driver of the bakkie allegedly lost control amid a road rage incident with a Mini Cooper travelling north on the M1”.

Meanwhile, the Ranger was confirmed to have had four occupants, one male, one female and two children — a girl and boy. They were seriously injured.

The driver of the Mercedes was the only occupant and did not sustain any injuries.

“The cause of the accident is subject to investigation by the SAPS,” Fihla said. 

Images shared on social media of the aftermath showed the police vehicle was completely destroyed. 

Bodies of the victims were strewn across the busy stretch of road. 

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