N3 Multi-vehicle Accident Forces Road Closure, Truck Loses Control and Crashes Into 20 Vehicles
- The N3 northbound and southbound lanes near Pietermaritzburg have been closed following a multi-vehicle accident
- According to the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), a truck lost control and crashed into approximately 20 vehicles
- The RTI has advised motorists to avoid the area and find alternative routes as emergency services work on the scene
Source: Twitter
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
KWAZULU-NATAL – A multi-vehicle accident on the N3 has forced the closure of both the northbound and southbound lanes.
The crash, which happened on the stretch of road near Peace Valley in Pietermaritzburg, has left 17 people injured.
What caused the accident?
According to the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), the crash was caused by a truck that lost control on the N3. It then ploughed into about 20 other vehicles.
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At the time of giving a comment, RTI spokesperson Sindi Msimang explained that emergency services were currently on scene, and so it was difficult to determine the extent of injuries.
"We just want to advise the road users to divert on eShongweni should they come towards Pietermaritzburg. If they are going towards Durban, they can use Cato Ridge as an alternative route,” Msimang said.
Truck driver attempts to flee the scene
MDN News has since reported that a Zambian truck driver was arrested after attempting to flee.
Speaking at the scene of the accident, KZN MEC of Transport Siboniso Duma confirmed that there were no fatalities.
Speaking on the truck driver, who is a foreign national, Duma said that he has mandated his team to work closely with the police to ensure a successful conviction and to establish whether he had the relevant documentation to be in the country.
The MEC further expressed sadness over the incident and added that he believes the announcement by Minister Barbra Creecy of new Train Operating Companies will usher in a new era of safer roads.
Duma added that the department is focused on ensuring a firmer hand against reckless drivers.
What did South African social media users have to say?
X user @MzansiPresser said:
“Hectic stuff, never really safe on the roads”
@TalentNyonie opined:
“With all the construction this section of the road is very tricky and requires a great deal of patience and cautiousness”
While @msimang_mbhali said:
“One thing about SA, when one thing happened it creates a chain reaction of others to follow.”
Another user expressed gratitude that there were no fatalities:
While this particular X user shares his thoughts about the state of the logistics industry infrastructure:
KZN taxi associations to embark on two-day strike
In similar news, taxi associations in Ethekwini are embarking on a two-day strike in solidarity with the Clermont and KwaDabeka associations. Taxis from the Clermont and KwaDabeka associations were impounded after an attack on e-hailing drivers in which one person was shot. South Africans shared their thoughts on the impending strike, with some expressing concern that taxi drivers could block roads.
An insider at the Department of Transport spoke to Briefly News about the department's plans to engage with the association.
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Source: Briefly News
