8 dead in N2 crash near Mandeni

A horrific accident on the N2 near Mandeni has claimed the lives of eight people, including seven high school pupils, this (Friday) morning.

The crash between a 7-seater light motor vehicle and a truck occurred between bridges 18 and 19 near Mandeni, forcing the closure of the N2 in both directions.

As at 8am, it remained closed, with IPSS Medical Rescue advising a possible six-hour closure as at 7am.

According to a statement from the KZN Department of Transport, the driver of the light motor vehicle, which was transporting schoolchildren, lost control of the vehicle and collided with a truck in the opposite lane, before veering off the road and overturning.

IPSS Medical Rescue, who responded to the scene, confirmed that all occupants in the light motor vehicle sustained fatal injuries.

Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has expressed sadness and extended condolences to the victims’ families.

“What saddens us is that the victims of the road accident include young people with a bright future,” said Duma.

“We request motorists to drive carefully as we have closed the N2 in both directions – between bridges 18 and 19 – on the KZN north coast.

“This will enable medical rescue services to provide much-needed assistance to the victims.”
Motorists are to use the alternative R102 route.

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