Eight Killed in Tragic N3 Van Reenen’s Pass Crash Involving Truck and Taxi

A devastating road crash has claimed eight lives on the N3 Van Reenen’s Pass, a notorious stretch of highway connecting KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. The collision, which involved a truck and a minibus taxi, occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, leaving authorities and locals shaken.

A Grim Morning on the N3

Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find wreckage scattered across the road. Both vehicles were severely damaged, and rescue teams had to close off the highway between Van Reenen and Swinburne to carry out recovery operations. The incident has caused major traffic delays on one of South Africa’s busiest interprovincial routes.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, confirmed the fatalities, expressing deep sorrow on behalf of the provincial government.

“We are saddened by the death of eight people in a horrific accident along the N3 Van Reenen’s Pass,” Sibiya said. “The MEC has directed the Road Traffic Inspectorate and SAPS accident unit to investigate what could have caused this tragedy.”

A Dangerous Stretch of Road

The Van Reenen’s Pass has long been known for its steep gradients and unpredictable weather, making it one of the more treacherous sections of the N3. Over the years, it has witnessed multiple high-impact collisions involving trucks and taxisoften linked to brake failures, reckless overtaking, or fatigue among long-distance drivers.

As South Africa wraps up Transport Month, the timing of this crash has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of road safety measures, especially on major freight corridors.

A Call for Vigilance

Authorities have appealed to motorists to remain patient amid the ongoing traffic disruptions and to drive cautiously, especially as the festive season approachesa time when road fatalities typically spike across South Africa.

As the investigation continues, this tragedy stands as yet another painful reminder of the country’s road safety crisis, and the urgent need for systemic change on routes like the N3 that carry the lifeblood of the nation’s economy.

{Source: EWN}

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