Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that Multiple vehicle crashes on the N3 Hilton between Hilton and Cedara involving trucks and cars. (Read More Here).
A multi-vehicle accident and pileup involving five trucks, eight minibus taxis and 22 light motor vehicles saw the closure of the N3 in Pietermaritzburg on Monday. (Read More Here).
The mishap was due to thick mist and slight rainfall.
This came as holidaymakers were returning to their respective provinces after the long Easter weekend.
KwaZulu-Natal emergency services spokesperson Robert Mckenzie said paramedics were assisting victims who were spread over a large area.
Some people were still trapped in vehicles, he said.
“They have the jaws of life on the scene,” he added.
Mckenzie pleaded with motorists and truck drivers to avoid the area, which was gridlocked with traffic and ambulances trying to get through.
“The severe mist makes traffic management difficult,” he warned. The uMngeni Municipality has opened its Town Hall to give motorists and passengers stranded on the N3 a place to rest overnight.
Mayor Chris Pappas said in a statement that mattresses, blankets and a hot meal would be provided.
The hall can be located at 17-23 Hilton Avenue, Leonard, Hilton. The Department of Transport in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) said, “preliminary investigations suggest that at least five people have lost their lives and scores sustained injuries during this horrific crash”.
Authorities had to close the southbound between Hilton and Cedara, Johannesburg bound.
“N3 North (Durban bound) has also been forced to close due to recoveries and provision of access by emergency services to the accident scene,” the department said.
Motorists were urged to use alternative routes such as the R103 or delay their travel arrangements until the road is cleared.
KZN EMS spokesperson Robert Mackenzie said: “Emergency services are currently at the scene of a multi-vehicle mass casualty incident on the N3 highway… Paramedics and emergency servicies are still at the scene and the scene is still active.”
Information reads: “The N3 is closed after Hilton, JHB bound. Very misty conditions reported with multiple accidents. Exercise caution. Multiple vehicle crashes on the N3 Hilton between Hilton and Cedara involving trucks and cars. Both north and douth bound have been affected. Reports suggest that there are about 20 vehicles pileup and authorities are attending the scene.”
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