Tragedy on the N3: Holiday Trip Turns Deadly as Minibus Collides Head-On with Truck

Tragedy On The N3 As Durban Holiday Trip Ends In Horror

What began as a cheerful early-morning journey for a group of women heading to Durban turned into a devastating tragedy when their minibus taxi collided head-on with a truck on the N3 between Van Reenen’s Pass and Montrose.

According to Free State traffic authorities, the crash occurred around 5am on Thursday. The taxi, reportedly carrying a group of ladies from Virginia in the Free State who were en route to the coast for a getaway, veered into the wrong lane before the collision.

Eight passengers were declared dead at the scene. Six others sustained moderate injuries and were taken to Thebe Hospital in Harrismith for treatment. The crash brought traffic to a complete standstill as emergency teams worked for hours to free trapped passengers from the wreckage.

A Deadly Stretch With A Grim Reputation

The Van Reenen’s Pass section of the N3 a mountainous and often misty route linking Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal has long been notorious for serious road accidents. Local drivers describe it as one of South Africa’s most treacherous highways, particularly in wet or foggy conditions.

Sindi Msimang from the Road Traffic Inspectorate urged motorists to take extra caution when travelling through the pass, noting that several fatal crashes have occurred there in recent years.

“It’s a challenging route with sharp turns and heavy truck traffic. Motorists must reduce speed and remain alert,” she said.

Investigations Underway

Sipho Towa, chairperson of the Road Incident Management Systems, confirmed that preliminary investigations suggest the taxi drifted into the opposite lane, though it’s not yet clear what caused the driver to lose control.

“The cause of the swaying is still being investigated,” Towa told Newzroom Afrika. “Law enforcement and accident investigation units are on scene.”

The SAPS has opened a case of culpable homicide and is working to identify the victims and notify their families.

A Stark Reminder Ahead Of The Holidays

With the festive season fast approaching, traffic officials are once again calling on road users to be vigilant and patient, especially when travelling long distances.

Authorities have advised motorists to avoid the affected stretch of the N3 while cleanup and investigations continue and to consider alternate routes where possible.

This tragedy serves as yet another painful reminder of how quickly joy can turn to heartbreak on South Africa’s roads, and how every trip, no matter how ordinary, demands care and caution behind the wheel.

{Source:IOL}

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