KZN Department of Transport announces opening of N3 after 8 hours of closure
Five people lost their lives during a multi-vehicle crash on the N3 as the Easter long weekend was coming to an end.
THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has announced the reopening of the N3 between Hilton and Cedara after it was closed for hours due to a multi-vehicle crash that claimed five lives.
The fatal accident happened on Monday, April 10, on the last day of the Easter long weekend around 18:00. The N3 North (Durban-bound) also had to be closed due to recoveries and provision of access by emergency services to the accident scene.
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The department reported that their preliminary investigations suggest that at least five people have lost their lives, with some sustaining injuries during this horrific crash. This accident involved five trucks, eight minibus taxis and 22 light motor vehicles.
The closed roads reopened around midnight after the recovery of all five bodies of the deceased, the assistance of the survivors on scene, and the transporting of critical patients to healthcare facilities for urgent medical attention.
“Through an integrated government response, various interventions are being made, including setting up shelter in uMngeni Town Hall and activating an emergency contact centre.
“Various social partners were also mobilised to assist the affected motorists and public transport commuters. The taxi industry also provided alternative transport to public transport commuters who may have wished to continue with their journey to their respective destinations,” reported the department.
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Commenting on the reopening of the roads, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Sipho Hlomuk, has commended the hard work of various emergency services.
“We acknowledge the magnitude of this horrific accident, and the trauma felt by all those involved is unbearable. We, once again, wish to send our deepest condolences to all the affected families and wish a speedy recovery to all those who sustained injuries. Some motorists have been stuck for hours and lost much time in traffic. We, however, wish to salute all the emergency response teams for a job well done under such unfavourable weather conditions. As provincial authorities, we are hugely disappointed with the fatal crashes recorded during this Easter weekend. We appeal to those who will be continuing with their journey, and those who are still going to embark on a journey, to be on high alert and ensure maximum adherence to traffic regulations.”
Those who still wish to locate their family members, or get a status update on the road, are urged to contact the emergency contact centre number on 033 940 8484.
The department has assured KZN commuters that all roads in the province are back in use. However, the truckers’ lane is closed at Peter Brown Drive on the northbound road due to diesel spillage – two lanes are operational.
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