Six people have been killed in a serious crash involving two trucks and a light delivery vehicle on the N3 Toll Route at Van Reenen's Pass in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday afternoon.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said the crash occurred at approximately 12.43 pm on October 27 between Sand River and Pyramids Hotel.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said he had received a report from the province’s Road Traffic Inspectorate confirming the six fatalities.
According to preliminary information released by the RTMC, one truck was travelling southbound towards Durban, while the light delivery vehicle and the second truck were travelling northbound.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said the southbound truck driver allegedly lost control and collided head-on with the light delivery vehicle before sideswiping the second truck.
"The light delivery vehicle was allegedly transporting workers in the back."
The collision claimed six lives, while the RTMC is investigating the cause of the crash.
KZN transportDuma conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims.
“We wish to express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” he said.
Van Reenen's Pass closed to traffic
N3TC said Van Reenen's Pass had been closed to all traffic while emergency services and road incident management teams attended to the scene.
The closure is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions and delays as recovery and clean-up operations continue.
Duma said the northbound and southbound fast lanes were obstructed while the crash scene remained active.
Motorists have been urged to avoid the area until further notice, exercise caution and follow instructions from law enforcement officers.
N3TC chief operating officer Dhoogra advised motorists to delay travelling through Van Reenen Pass until the route could be safely reopened.
Motorists urged to follow traffic updates
Road users can follow official traffic updates on X via @N3Route or contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 to report emergencies along the N3 Toll Route between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng.
Emergency rescue services, healthcare professionals and law enforcement agencies remain involved in operations at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The RTMC is investigating the cause of the collision, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
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