At least 18 people have tragically lost their lives following a devastating crash at Van Reenen’s Pass on Monday night. The Department of Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal confirmed that 13 adults and five children died in the horrific collision, which occurred around 8:30 PM on the N3 highway. According to the department’s spokesperson, Ndabe Sibiya, the crash involved a truck and a minibus taxi, though the exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined.
The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) reported significant disruptions to traffic, with all lanes on the busy highway, as well as the Tugela Plaza and Tugela East Ramp Plaza, closed to northbound vehicles. In the aftermath of the crash, traffic was heavily backed up, with long delays expected in the area. The N3TC also issued a warning regarding adverse weather conditions, including poor visibility due to heavy mist and dangerous driving conditions in the vicinity of the crash site. Road users were strongly advised to avoid the section of the N3 Toll Route until further notice and to exercise extreme caution if they must travel.
KwaZulu-Natal’s Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. “I have requested a comprehensive report from our dedicated Road Traffic Inspectorate team,” said Duma, noting that the region has experienced an alarming increase in road accidents, particularly along the N3, N2, and other routes, due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.
Earlier on Monday, the highway had been gridlocked following another serious collision between a bus and a truck, resulting in multiple casualties. N3TC’s Chief Operating Officer, Thania Dhoogra, added that wet weather conditions were prevalent along the route, urging drivers to reduce their speed and maintain a safe following distance to avoid further incidents.
This tragic accident highlights the perilous conditions faced by road users during adverse weather, with authorities calling for heightened vigilance and caution on the roads. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
