A tragic multi-vehicle accident at the Marianhill Toll Plaza on Durban’s N3 claimed the life of a Zimbabwean truck driver on Friday night, 13 December. The crash involved six trucks and five light motor vehicles, prompting urgent safety warnings from the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Transport.
Authorities revealed that the truck driver, who was trapped in his vehicle, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. The incident caused significant traffic disruptions, and motorists were advised to avoid the area and explore alternate routes.
Preliminary investigations linked the accident to high traffic volumes and potential driver fatigue. The KZN Transport Department highlighted the N3’s notorious reputation for fatal crashes, particularly during the festive season.
KZN Transport spokesperson Sihle Sibiya disclosed that the crash has contributed to a 13% rise in accidents compared to the same period last year. From 1 December to 12 December 2024, 63 crashes and 64 fatalities have been recorded, up from 56 crashes and 63 fatalities in 2023.
The eThekwini district leads in both crashes and fatalities, with 26 incidents and deaths reported during the current monitoring period. Other districts, including King Cetshwayo, Ugu, and Zululand, also reported multiple fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for road safety enforcement.
In response to the alarming figures, 2,745 traffic officers, supported by 808 vehicles, have been deployed across KZN. Multidisciplinary roadblocks will target speeding, drunk driving, and unroadworthy vehicles, particularly during peak travel times.
“The majority of crashes occur during early mornings and late nights over weekends,” Sibiya explained. “We are determined to curb these trends through heightened enforcement and public awareness.”
Motorists traveling on the N3 this holiday season are urged to exercise caution, adhere to speed limits, and avoid driving while fatigued. For updates and safety tips, follow @TheSAnews on X or visit The South African’s Facebook page.
[…] Evans, sidelined since Amorim’s managerial debut—a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town on 24 November—was back in training before United’s 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on Thursday. […]