A devastating accident on the N3 at Van Reenen's Pass has claimed the lives of eight people. The collision, involving a truck and a minibus taxi, occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, causing significant traffic disruptions between Van Reenen and Swinburne.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, confirmed the tragic incident and stated that the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) is managing the traffic flow. Emergency teams are currently on the scene.
"We are saddened by the death of eight people in a horrific accident along the N3, Van Reenen's Pass," said Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the KZN MEC of Transport and Human Settlements. "The MEC has indicated that the RTI team, working with SAPS accident unit, will be investigating to determine what could have happened."
Due to the severity of the accident and the ongoing rescue operations, the N3 has been temporarily closed. This closure, agreed upon with N3 Toll Concession, aims to provide an uninterrupted environment for rescue teams to perform their duties. Motorists are urged to be patient and exercise extreme caution during this time. Significant traffic congestion is expected between Van Reenen and Swinburne.
The accident, though occurring on the Free State side, saw the KwaZulu-Natal RTI team as the first responders. They will be handing over the scene to their provincial counterparts as soon as feasible.
Police and traffic authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the horrific crash. This incident comes as South Africa concludes Transport Month, highlighting the critical importance of road safety.
Traffic Updates and Alternate Routes
Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes where possible and to stay updated on traffic conditions via local news and radio broadcasts. Patience and caution are paramount as emergency services work diligently to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow.
Road Safety Reminder
- Reduce Speed: Especially in hazardous conditions.
- Maintain Safe Following Distance: Allow ample space to react.
- Avoid Distractions: Focus solely on driving.
- Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety for all drivers.
