Five killed in multi-vehicle accident

At least five people have died and many others have sustained injuries after a horrific multi-vehicle accident on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday that involved over 20 cars, several trucks and minibuses.

This was confirmed by the KwaZulu-Natal government on its social media account.

“The preliminary investigations suggest that at least five people have lost their lives and scores sustained injuries during this horrific crash. This accident involves five trucks, eight minibus taxis and 22 light motor vehicles,” the provincial government said on its Twitter account.

The accident happened near Hilton and Cedara.

“The department of transport is cautioning motorists to use alternative routes such as R103 or delay their travel arrangements until the road is cleared,” read the message.

Videos of the accident, which were circulated on social media, showed a multi-vehicle pileup and people walking around on the highway with injuries.

It was not clear what caused the accident.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lt-Col Robert Netshiunda said he was still waiting for information on the accident.

The uMngeni municipality urged motorists to use alternative routes.

“Motorists are urged to avoid the N3 between Pietermaritzburg and Cedara [especially JHB bound]. The highway is closed heading from Durban to Johannesburg in the vicinity of Hilton,” said Sandile Mnikathi, uMngeni municipality deputy mayor.

“The area is very misty, and the long weekend traffic has made things worse. uMngeni Traffic has five vehicles attending to the scene in support of RTI and Msunduzi Traffic,” read a statement from Mnikathi. 

Additonal reporting Mfundo Mkhize