Durban – A horrific multi-vehicle accident at the Marianhill Toll Plaza on the N3 near Durban has claimed the life of a Zimbabwean truck driver and left sixteen others critically injured.
The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, 13 December, involved a Zimbabwean-registered heavy motor vehicle colliding with six trucks and five light motor vehicles, creating a scene of utter devastation.
The impact of the collision was catastrophic, leaving multiple people trapped within the wreckage. Emergency services, including ALS Paramedics and the eThekwini Fire Department, responded swiftly, utilising specialised rescue equipment to free those entrapped.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson described the scene: "Approximately six trucks and five vehicles were involved in the crash leaving multiple people entrapped and injured. Immediately more ambulances as well as advanced life support paramedics were dispatched to assist. The eThekwini fire department was also requested to assist with the necessary rescue tools. Approximately fifteen people had sustained various injuries and once stabilised on the scene they were transported to various Durban Hospitals for the further care that they required."
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the Zimbabwean truck driver succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Mr Jamieson added: "Unfortunately, one of the truck drivers was found severely entrapped in their wreckage and despite best attempts by paramedics he passed away on the scene. The national route was closed for hours whilst emergency personnel worked to clear the scene," highlighting the severity of the incident and the extensive work required to clear the highway.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport confirmed the details of the accident, expressing deep concern. Spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya stated: “Information from the Road Traffic Inspectorate indicated that a heavy motor vehicle from Zimbabwe collided with six trucks and five light motor vehicles. The driver of a truck from Zimbabwe died at the scene. Meanwhile, over 10 people were left in critical condition.”
The department urged motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes, issuing a statement advising, "We request motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes and to delay any trip leading to Marianhill Toll Plaza."
KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma also commented on the tragedy, stating, “Regrettably, we are starting the long weekend on a very negative note. This follows a multiple vehicle crash just before Marianhill Toll Plaza on the N3.”
He echoed the call for motorists to avoid the area, adding, “We request motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes and to delay any trip leading to Mariannhill toll plaza.”
MEC Duma also expressed concern about a rising trend in road accidents, noting that preliminary figures for the period 1 December to 12 December show a 13% increase in crashes compared to the same period in 2023, rising from 56 to 63.
He stated, “In 2023, the department recorded 56 crashes. In 2024 we have 63 crashes. After this afternoon's multiple-vehicle crash in Marianhill toll plaza, this number will increase.”
The accident has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. The MEC highlighted the leading causes of accidents as speeding, drunk driving, driver fatigue, and vehicle roadworthiness. In response, 2745 Road Traffic Inspectorate officers, supported by 808 vehicles, will be deployed across the province for the upcoming long weekend to intensify speed monitoring and traffic law enforcement. Multidisciplinary roadblocks involving various law enforcement agencies will be implemented from Friday night until the following week.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the devastating collision. Initial reports from ALS Paramedics suggested that the Zimbabwean truck may have lost control before ploughing into vehicles slowing down for the toll plaza. However, a full investigation is underway to establish the exact cause and to identify any contributing factors.
