Three killed in tragic N3 crash in KwaZulu-Natal

Mapaballo Borotho

Image @KZN Transport and Human settlements

Three people were killed in a collision between a bakkie and a truck on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday morning.
The crash occurred after the bakkie reportedly lost control, crossed the median, and collided head-on with the truck.
Authorities have closed the Durban-bound lane while recovery and clean-up operations continue.

Three people have died following a tragic collision involving a bakkie and a truck on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal.

The crash occurred on Friday morning, leaving several families mourning the loss of their loved ones.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

It is alleged that the bakkie was travelling westbound towards Pietermaritzburg when it lost control and collided head-on with a truck travelling towards Durban.

According to the truck driver, the bakkie crossed from the opposite lane through the centre median and struck his vehicle just below the windscreen.

The impact caused the bakkie to veer into concrete barriers, which were pushed into five construction workers from WBHO who were on duty at the time.

The bakkie then caught fire, burning two of its occupants beyond recognition. One person was reportedly ejected from the vehicle.

The truck driver also lost control while attempting to avoid the collision, and the truck landed in a ditch on the Pietermaritzburg-bound side of the road, approximately 100 metres from the roadway. He sustained only minor injuries.

“It is unfortunate that this accident comes after we recorded a decrease in fatalities and accidents. The scene remains active, and the Durban-bound lane is closed to allow for recovery and clean-up operations,” said Duma.