Six Family Members Killed in Fatal N2 Collision; Transport Department Investigates

Published 1 Feb 2026 at 5:59 PM

by Mbalenhle Butale

3 min read

Six members of the same family were killed after a truck collided with their Opel Corsa on the N2 near Mtubatuba, leaving only one survivor in critical condition
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has launched an urgent investigation to determine the cause of the crash, while MEC Siboniso Duma has sent a team to support the bereaved family
Authorities said the tragedy has devastated the community, with condolences pouring in for the victims

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The KZN Department of Transport has launched an investigation into the accident that killed six members of one family. Images: Gerhard Duraan and Department of Transport/ Facebook
Source: Getty Images

MTUBATUBA- The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has launched an urgent investigation into a devastating collision on the N2 highway that claimed the lives of six members of a single family on 29 January 2026.

Reports from Eyewitness News (EWN) indicate the accident occurred near Mtubatuba when a truck collided with an Opel Corsa carrying seven occupants. Emergency services described a harrowing scene, with five people, including a six-year-old child, pronounced dead at the scene. Two survivors were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.

Who were the victims?

The KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC released the names of the victims. The deceased have been confirmed as: Mama Nokuphama Mdlethse (85), Makhosi ka Mnyango Mthembu (52), Mr Mvuyani Gcaleka (43), Senamile Buthelezi (29), Banzi Buthelezi (6), and Ayanda Mthembu.

“We were nursing hope that the brave girl who sustained serious injuries would survive, but sadly she passed away. We do not believe there are appropriate words to ease the pain each surviving family member is experiencing,” said the department.

MEC Duma launches investigation

KZN Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said the department is prioritising the investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.

As part of the provincial government’s response, MEC Duma is scheduled to visit the bereaved family on Sunday, 1 February 2026, to provide support and convey formal condolences following the tragic loss of nearly an entire household.

Social media users expressed shock and grief at the news of the accident

Other similar accidents reported by Briefly News

Briefly News reported that a head-on collision between a light motor vehicle and a seven-seater minibus on the N2 near the Umzumbe River Bridge claimed the lives of five people believed to be members of the same family, including three young children aged three to five years. Four other occupants from both vehicles were injured in the crash and taken to the hospital for treatment.
Five people from the same family were killed in a head-on collision between a Ford Ranger and a Hyundai Grand i10 on the R66 near Gingindlovu in KwaZulu-Natal, with the deceased including a three-year-old and a two-month-old infant. Seven other occupants were seriously injured and taken to nearby hospitals after emergency personnel stabilised them at the scene.
Five members of the same family were killed when the double-cab bakkie they were travelling in lost control and veered off the D4170 road in the Sekhukhune district of Limpopo, leaving six people dead at the scene and two others rushed to hospital.