Tragic Morning on the M4: Two Dead, 19 Injured in KZN Multi-Vehicle Pile-Up

KwaZulu-Natal commuters faced a grim start to Tuesday after a major crash on the M4 between Umdloti and Westbrook left two people dead and 19 others injured. The busy coastal road, often packed with early morning traffic, turned into a chaotic scene as multiple emergency services rushed to the site.

Chaos on a Busy Route

According to IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Samantha Meyrick, the crash involved several vehicles, leaving a trail of debris and stranded motorists in its wake. “There are at least two deceased and 19 injured,” Meyrick confirmed, adding that response teams from different rescue units were on scene within minutes.

The M4 is one of Durban’s key commuter routes, connecting residential suburbs and coastal communities. Crashes along this stretch are not uncommon, particularly in wet or high-traffic conditions. While the cause of the collision is still under investigation, early reports suggest multiple vehicles were involved in what has been described as a “mass casualty incident.”

Emergency Response and Traffic Impact

Paramedics worked tirelessly to stabilise the injured before transporting them to nearby hospitals. Traffic was heavily affected, with vehicles crawling past the accident site as authorities cleared the wreckage.

Meyrick urged drivers to travel cautiously, saying, “Traffic is flowing, although slowly. We ask motorists to allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes.”

Community Reaction and Road Safety Concerns

The incident has sparked conversations on social media about road safety in KwaZulu-Natal, where high-speed driving and poor road conditions often contribute to serious accidents. “Every week it’s another crash,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Something has to change on the M4.”

Locals have called for better signage, speed enforcement, and improved lighting along certain parts of the route, particularly between Umdloti and Westbrook where the road narrows and visibility can drop sharply.

Looking Ahead

As investigations continue, Tuesday’s tragedy serves as another sobering reminder of South Africa’s ongoing road safety challenges. With the festive season approaching, when travel volumes typically rise, authorities are urging drivers to remain alert and patient because a single moment of carelessness can change countless lives.

{Source:The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com