WATCH: At least 18 people killed in crash on N3 near Van Reenen’s Pass in KZN

At least eighteen people have been killed in a horrific crash involving a minibus taxi, a truck and light motor vehicle at Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

The accident happened between 8:30pm and 9pm on Monday along the N3 toll route from KZN to Gauteng. The N3 remains closed to traffic.

Watch the scene of the accident on the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass

Fatalities

It is understood that 13 adults and five children were killed in the accident.

Both the Tugela Plaza and Tugela East ramp plazas were closed to northbound traffic at the time of the crash.

The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) spokesperson, Thania Dhoogra, said traffic was stacked between the Pyramids Motel and Van Reenen Town while emergency services attended to the scene.

Traffic

Dhoogra said traffic was heavily backed up in the area of the crash.

“Reports have also been received of poor weather, heavy mist, and dangerous driving conditions in the area. It is strongly recommended that road users delay travel to this section of the N3 Toll Route until further notice.

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“Please reduce speed and remain extra cautious on the roads,” Dhoogra said.

Investigation

Authorities said the cause of the crash is unknown and will be subject to the ongoing investigation.

KZN MEC of Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said the department is distraught over the deaths of the passengers.

“We wish to send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. I have requested a comprehensive report from our dedicated RTI team. We issued a statement that since last night, we have noticed an increase in road accidents along the N3, N2 and other routes as a result of heavy rainfall.”

Bus accident

On Monday, at least eighteen people were injured in an early morning crash involving a bus and a truck on the N3 near Colenso as a great exodus of holidaymakers returned back home after the festive season.

The bus was reportedly carrying 57 passengers.

Dhoogra said four people who were trapped and extricated, along with others who were injured, have been transported to medical facilities.

Poor weather

She warned that wet weather conditions are currently being experienced along most parts of the N3 Toll Route.

Dhoogra has appealed to road users to heed warnings.

“Please reduce your speed, maintain safe following distances, and drive defensively, especially in this weather.”

Dhoogra said busy traffic conditions have been experienced since last week, with traffic volumes likely to increase even further as holidaymakers continue their homebound journeys.

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