Newly surfaced CCTV footage has shed light on the moments leading up to the devastating multi-vehicle crash that shut down sections of the N3 near the Mariannhill Toll Plaza on Wednesday morning.
The crash, which left multiple people injured and caused widespread traffic disruption, involved a side tipper truck transporting maize that lost control while travelling downhill towards Durban.
The CCTV footage appears to show the truck completing an overtaking manoeuvre shortly before the crash. However, as the vehicle moves back into the fast lane, the speed of the combination appears to be too high for the conditions. The rear trailer can be seen rolling over.
As the trailer overturns, it drags the rest of the combination with it, causing the truck to lose stability completely. The truck then crashes through the centre median barrier and enters the northbound carriageway.
The runaway combination subsequently collides with one vehicle before overturning across the roadway. Large quantities of maize were scattered across the freeway, further complicating recovery efforts.
The footage has quickly attracted attention on social media, with many viewers pointing to the apparent speed of the truck moments before the crash. However, the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet released official findings.
Emergency services responded rapidly to the scene, where multiple casualties were reported. Paramedics treated injured motorists while rescue and recovery teams worked to clear the wreckage and reopen affected lanes.
The incident caused severe congestion in both directions, with the northbound carriageway closed for an extended period and lengthy delays experienced on the Durban-bound side.
Investigators are expected to analyse the CCTV footage alongside other evidence as part of their efforts to determine exactly what caused the truck to lose control.
Motorists are reminded that official investigations are ongoing and that conclusions regarding the cause of the crash will ultimately be determined by the relevant authorities.
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