News
N3 Chaos: Runaway Truck Crash Leaves 17 Injured Near Peacevale
A morning of shock and gridlock
Thursday’s morning rush turned into a nightmare on the N3 highway near Peacevale when a runaway truck careered through traffic, leaving behind mangled cars, injured drivers, and hours of gridlock. By the time emergency services reached the scene, the Pietermaritzburg-bound side of the freeway had become a corridor of devastation.
ALS Paramedics confirmed that the crash unfolded just after 7:30 am. A heavily loaded truck allegedly lost control and ploughed into a convoy of vehicles before grinding to a halt in the centre median. Around 15 cars and trucks were caught up in the disaster.
Scenes of “chaos and carnage”
First responders described what they found as nothing short of chaos. Multiple ambulances rushed in as paramedics set up a triage zone to cope with the high number of casualties. Seventeen people were hurt, their injuries ranging from moderate to critical.
One man was trapped inside the wreckage of his vehicle, forcing rescuers from the eThekwini Fire Department and Redline Response Rescue to use the jaws of life to cut him free. Given the severity of some injuries, the Netcare911 helicopter was deployed for an urgent airlift.
A highway shutdown
The impact on traffic was immediate and severe. The N3, one of South Africa’s busiest transport arteries linking Durban and Johannesburg, was shut for hours while emergency crews worked to clear debris and stabilise victims. For commuters, the closure meant long delays, diversions, and frustration. For others, it was another stark reminder of the dangers lurking on the country’s highways.
Unanswered questions
While all injured patients were stabilised and transferred to Durban hospitals for further care, the cause of the crash remains unclear. Both the South African Police Service and the Road Traffic Inspectorate have confirmed investigations are underway.
Truck accidents on the N3 are not unusual, particularly on stretches near Pietermaritzburg that have seen tragic pile-ups in the past. Heavy traffic, steep gradients, and brake failures are often cited as contributing factors. Social media was flooded with calls for stricter safety checks on trucks and better enforcement of speed and weight regulations.
A chilling reminder
For motorists and freight operators alike, Thursday’s crash is more than an isolated event. It highlights ongoing concerns about road safety on South Africa’s highways. The N3 corridor is vital for commerce and travel, yet incidents like this one show how a single runaway vehicle can turn a busy morning commute into scenes of trauma and loss.
Also read: Dr Nthabiseng Maesela: From Limpopo to Global Sports Medicine Leader
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: IOL
Featured Image: Glaser & Ebbs
