Fiery N3 Crash Leaves 1 Dead, Runaway Truck Crashes Into Other Vehicles Before Bursting Into Flames

• One person has been confirmed dead following a multi-vehicle collision on the N3 highway
• The fiery crash happened on the Pietermaritzburg-bound lanes after a truck reportedly lost control
• Emergency responders were tasked with stopping the blaze and clearing the extensive wreckage

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 truck driver passed away after a devastating multi-vehicle collision on the N3 highway, Pietermaritzburg.

The driver died after his truck caught alight following the accident near Peacevale on 14 September 2025, in the evening. Emergency services attended as responders attempted to contain the blaze, which forced the closure of multiple lanes, and prevented further tragedy.

How did the accident occur?

According to information gathered, the truck driver lost control while descending the N3 towards Pietermaritzburg. With the driver unable to stop, the truck reportedly collided with another truck and two passenger vehicles. Some reports indicated that he crashed into five other vehicles.

The impact of the crash caused one of the trucks to burst into flames. The driver of the truck, who was trapped inside, succumbed to his injuries despite efforts made to rescue him.

The accident forced the closure of multiple lanes as emergency workers attempted to clear the wreckage and attend to the others involved in the accident.

The Department of Transport released a statement following the accident, indicating that one person had died, but no other injuries were reported.

"Sadly, the truck driver has died. We express our condolences to the family of the deceased," the statement on behalf of Siboniso Duma, the Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, read.

17 injured in a similar accident in the area

The latest crash is the second to happen in the area in the month of September involving trucks. On 4 September 2025, a fully loaded truck also lost control and ploughed into multiple vehicles and trucks. It eventually came to rest in the centre median. Approximately 15 different vehicles were involved, and at least 17 people were injured.

No fatalities were reported, but one person was found entrapped in the wreckage, and the Jaws of Life had to be used to cut the man free.

In July 2025, multiple people were reported dead after another accident on the N3, this time near Shongweni. The passengers passed away after a taxi plunged down an embankment after a collision with another vehicle. Emergency responders had a tough time on their hands as they attempted to rescue passengers from the wreckage below and transport them up to the road.

Fatal N3 crash claims 4 lives

Briefly News also reported that four people were killed in a horrific collision on the N3 near Bergville on 23 August 2025. The accident, which occurred early in the morning, involved a truck and a minibus taxi.

The KZN Department of Transport assigned a dedicated team to assist all those affected by the tragedy.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News