A heartbreaking crash on the N2 before the Umzumbe River Bridge has claimed the lives of five people, believed to be members of the same family, on Friday night.
According to KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, the collision involved a Suzuki light motor vehicle and a seven-seater minibus. The impact was so severe that three young children, aged between three and five, died on the scene along with two adults believed to be their mother and father.
Two additional passengers from the Suzuki, a woman and a 14-year-old boy, were rushed to hospital with serious injuries. From the seven-seater, two occupants also sustained injuries and are receiving medical care.
Emergency services, Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers and SAPS members are currently on scene managing the wreckage and redirecting traffic. The MEC expressed deep condolences to the affected family and urged motorists to avoid the area.
“This is a tragic and devastating loss. Our deepest condolences go to the families of the deceased,” Duma said in a statement issued around 21h00. “A team from my office has been assigned to liaise with local community leaders, including Sibonelo Cele who is currently at the scene.”
He confirmed that a preliminary report is expected from the RTI later this evening, while SAPS will lead the formal investigation into the cause of the crash.
Read | One Person Killed in Truck and Car Head-on Collision N2 Near Umzumbe
Motorists travelling on the N2 northbound are urged to expect heavy delays, as the road remains partially closed while recovery operations continue. RTI is diverting traffic through Hibberdene to ease congestion.
This is one of several serious crashes reported on KZN highways this month, raising renewed concern about speeding, fatigue and reckless overtaking, particularly at night.
May the departed rest in peace.
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