Easter Holiday Aftermath: Multiple-Vehicle Crash Caused by Mist and Rain on N3 Highway!

On Monday, a multi-vehicle accident and pileup involving 22 light motor vehicles, eight minibus taxis, and five trucks closed the N3 in Pietermaritzburg. According to Eyewitness News, the crash happened because of thick mist and slight rainfall. This accident occurred as holidaymakers returned to their home provinces after the Easter weekend.

The Department of Transport in KwaZulu-Natal stated, “preliminary investigations suggest that at least five people have lost their lives, and scores sustained injuries during this horrific crash”. As a result, authorities closed the southbound between Cedara and Hilton, Johannesburg bound. In addition, “N3 North (Durban bound) has also been forced to close due to recoveries and provision of access by emergency services to the accident scene,” the department mentioned.

The department urged motorists to take alternative routes, for example, the R103 or delay their travel plans until the department clears the road. KZN EMS spokesperson Robert Mackenzie stated: “Emergency services are currently at the scene of a multi-vehicle mass casualty incident on the N3 highway… Paramedics and emergency services are still at the scene, and the scene is still active.”

He mentioned the highway was blocked in both directions, adding that reports of deaths and casualties from the pileup were incoming. “People are advised to avoid the area, especially long-distance trucks…”

The Easter and Christmas holidays are notorious for road carnage. Unfortunately, what happened in KwaZulu-Natal is not the first time the province has seen such a tragedy.

See this footage that Twitter user PigSpotter shared:

#ATT #AVOID N3 towards JHB between Hilton and Cedara. Plus minus 90 vehicles involved in a massive pile-up

Please give way to Emergency Services. pic.twitter.com/Fo56pCFqu3

— Cliff – That's All (@PigSpotter) April 10, 2023

Also read:

JMPD Anticipates Heavy Traffic as Easter Holidaymakers Return Home

Picture: Twitter / TrafficSA