Johannesburg metro police are investigating allegations that a Condor, being used as a minibus taxi, was travelling in the wrong direction of the M1 north on Sunday when it was involved in a head-on collision that claimed five lives, Netcare 911 said.

Spokesperson Nick Dollman said two vehicles had been involved in the head-on collision and a third vehicle was damaged by a bouncing tyre between the Woodmead drive offramp and the Buccleuch interchange.

"There had been a very severe impact resulting in massive damage to (a) Golf as well as the Condor," Dollman said.

Five people were declared dead at the scene, and five were injured.

"The driver of the Condor was one of the three who had sustained serious injuries and was escorted by police to hospital.

"Metro Police were investigating allegations that the Condor was being used as a minibus taxi when it was travelling on the highway in the wrong direction," said Dollman.

Motorists said traffic police blocked off the M1 south at Buccleach, forcing vehicles onto the N1-Roodepoort freeway, apparently to provide cyclists with exclusive use of the freeway for a fun ride event.

It was not clear if the accident was related to the blockade.

No metro police comment could be obtained.

Sapa