The N3 northbound is a complete mess this Friday morning after a truck went up in flames just before the Cliffdale offramp late last night leaving motorists crawling or completely stuck for hours.
According to truck drivers who pulled up moments after the blaze started, the truck caught fire at around 23h10 on Thursday night. By the time emergency crews arrived the rig was already fully engulfed with flames lighting up the freeway.
A diversion via Shongweni was quickly opened for light motor vehicles but trucks were not as lucky. Long-distance trucks have been parked on the N3 since the incident with some drivers saying they haven’t moved since just after 11pm.
By 06h00 on Friday the burnt-out truck had finally been removed, however cleanup operations were still underway. Diesel spills, debris, and the damaged road surface have slowed progress with authorities warning that the N3 will take some time before returning to normal flow.
Read | N3 Northbound Closed at Cliffdale After Major Pile-Up Crash
Even after full reopening, heavy delays are expected. The truck backlog has already snaked past the Shongweni offramp meaning northbound traffic between Durban and Pietermaritzburg will be heavily affected for most of the morning.
Motorists are urged to delay travel if possible or use alternative routes until the congestion clears.
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