A horrific multi-vehicle crash on the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday night claimed the lives of eighteen people, including five children, casting a dark shadow over what has already been a grim holiday season on South African roads. The incident, which involved a truck, a minibus, and a light motor vehicle, occurred amidst challenging weather conditions – heavy rain and mist.
The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, according to Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson Simon Zwane. He stated: "a truck, minibus and light motor vehicle were involved in [the] multiple-vehicle crash". "The cause of the crash is unknown and will be subject to the ongoing investigation," he added.
Adding to the tragedy, a baby sustained serious injuries in the crash. The incident underscores the dangers of driving in adverse weather conditions and the devastating consequences of road accidents. This latest tragedy follows a concerning trend of increased road fatalities in KwaZulu-Natal.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma highlighted the recent spike in road accidents, directly linking it to the heavy rainfall experienced in the province. He explained: "Since [Sunday] night, we have noticed an increase in road accidents along the N3, N2 and other routes as a result of heavy rainfall." The MEC also noted reports of heavy rainfall in low-lying areas, raising concerns about potential flooding and damage to homes.
The department, he stated, has implemented plans to address the situation urgently: "A highly dedicated team from Road Traffic Inspectorate, working with municipalities, is monitoring the flow of traffic across all major routes to ensure the safety of motorists. Since the 1st of January more than 10 people have died on our roads. With the rain, the roads are slippery. We are requesting motorists to be extra careful," he said.
The MEC's statement also revealed the department's broader response to the severe weather, extending beyond road safety. He confirmed that his department is actively assisting municipalities affected by the heavy rainfall and strong winds, which have caused damage to houses in several areas. The scale of the intervention required emphasises the widespread impact of the recent severe weather across KwaZulu-Natal.
