N2 Mtubatuba crash kills 11 as Ntuli mourns Maskandi festivalgoers

Eleven people died after a taxi carrying Maskandi festivalgoers collided head‑on with a truck and caught fire on the N2 near Mtubatuba, KwaZulu‑Natal, early on Sunday, KwaZulu‑Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said.

What happened

The collision occurred on the N2 near Mtubatuba at around 4am on Sunday. The taxi was reportedly transporting music lovers home after a Maskandi festival in Melmoth, uMthonjaneni.

Following the head‑on collision the taxi caught fire, and nine of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition. A further nine people sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. The truck involved was reportedly travelling towards the uMfolozi sugar mill.

Premier’s response

Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli offered condolences to the families of the victims and described the crash as a devastating loss. He said:

“This is a devastating tragedy that has robbed 11 families of their loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this extremely painful time.”

He also commented on the circumstances:

“Losing so many lives in a single road crash is heartbreaking, particularly when people were simply returning home after attending a cultural and musical event. We extend our deepest condolences to every family affected by this tragedy.”

Support, safety and next steps

Ntuli expressed sadness for the injured and thanked emergency services and others who responded to the scene. He said he wished “those who sustained injuries a speedy, full recovery,” and praised the swift response of local authorities and community members.

The Premier urged caution from motorists, especially during early morning hours when fatigue can affect driving, and appealed to law enforcement to enforce road safety laws. He said:

“We continue to appeal to motorists not to take unnecessary risks on our roads. Drivers must rest when they are tired and must never place the lives of passengers and other road users at risk.”

Ntuli added that road safety is a collective responsibility and called on public transport operators and drivers to prioritise passenger safety. He also said authorities would work to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and undertake the process of identifying the deceased.

Immediate priorities

• Support for affected families
• Medical care for the injured
• Establishing the circumstances of the collision