Five Children Among Eight Killed in Tragic N2 Crash Near Scottburgh

Five Children Among Eight Dead in Horror N2 Crash Near Scottburgh

A tragic road accident on the N2 near Scottburgh late on Sunday night has left eight people dead, including five children, in one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most heartbreaking road incidents this month.

According to IPSS Medical Rescue, the crash occurred just before 10 p.m. on the northbound carriageway, when a Hyundai H100 collided with the back of a truck.

A Scene of Heartbreak and Chaos

First responders described the scene as “heart-wrenching.” Emergency teams arrived to find a vehicle crushed beyond recognition and survivors fighting for their lives.

IPSS spokesperson Samantha Meyrick confirmed that eight people died at the scene, while two others were rushed to hospital in critical condition. “Five of the deceased were children,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion.

Images shared on local community groups overnight showed flashing emergency lights cutting through the darkness, as paramedics worked to extract victims and clear debris from the highway.

A Devastating Reminder of South Africa’s Road Safety Crisis

The crash has once again reignited public concern over road safety in South Africa, particularly along the N2 corridor, which has become notorious for fatal collisions.

Locals took to social media expressing heartbreak and frustration. “Another night, another tragedy on our roads,” wrote one resident on Facebook. Others called for stricter enforcement of truck regulations and better highway lighting near accident-prone areas like Scottburgh.

The N2 is one of the country’s busiest national routes, connecting Durban to the south coast and beyond a vital economic artery that too often turns deadly after dark.

Communities in Mourning

By Monday morning, grief had settled over the Scottburgh community. Local leaders described the accident as “a loss that cuts across families.” Several community members gathered near the site, lighting candles and praying for the victims.

Many South Africans expressed solidarity online, with posts calling for renewed focus on road infrastructure and driver awareness. “It’s not just statistics it’s lives, families, and futures,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote.

Investigations Underway

Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the crash, but early indications suggest the Hyundai H100 may have slammed into the truck from behind. Police have launched an investigation, and traffic officials have urged motorists to drive cautiously, especially at night when visibility and fatigue become factors.

The Department of Transport is expected to issue a formal statement once more details emerge.

A Tragic Start to the Festive Season

As South Africa edges closer to the festive travel period, this tragedy serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk on the nation’s highways.

KwaZulu-Natal, in particular, records some of the highest road fatality rates in the country each year, often due to speeding, fatigue, and poorly maintained vehicles.

For now, the focus remains on the victims and their grieving families, lives cut short in a crash that has left a community shattered and a nation once again questioning how to make its roads safer.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com