There was chaos on the N3 freeway in KwaZulu-Natal as a series of truck accidents disrupted traffic flow, leading to massive delays this Thursday, October 12, 2023, affecting both sides of the freeway and raising alarm among commuters and authorities alike.
The first incident occurred on the N3 south, just after Nottingham Road.
05h37 12/10 #N3Crash; N3 4 35.8 S #DbnBound near Nottingham Road I/C 132. 2 trucks involved. Traffic moving past the scene. Please approach the area with caution. 01483 (05)
— N3 Toll Concession (@N3Route) October 12, 2023
Two trucks were involved in a collision, forcing both vehicles off the road.
Read | N3 Traffic Alert: Massive backlog expected from Harrismith tomorrow
07h48 12/10 #3NCrashUpdate: N3 4 36.8 S #DurbanBound near Nottingham Road I/C 132. A truck and a bakkie involved. Recovery in progress. Entire road closed. Traffic stacked. Please approach the area with caution. 01485 (07)
— N3 Toll Concession (@N3Route) October 12, 2023
While the accident itself was distressing, the situation worsened as onlookers and looters flocked to the scene, causing a significant traffic backlog.
In the Ashburton area, not one but three accidents involving trucks brought the freeway to a standstill, affecting both the eastbound and westbound carriageways. The specific locations of these incidents were as follows:
1. Eastbound (To Durban) – The first incident took place between Market Road and the Ashburton Interchange (I/C). The second accident occurred after the Ashburton Interchange (I/C). These crashes resulted in massive delays for those heading towards Durban starting from New England Road.
153647: N3 Eastbound closed after Ramp from Market Road because of Crash. Congested from Ramp from New England Road. pic.twitter.com/cvGBrM8XwP
— i-traffic KZN (@i_trafficKZN) October 12, 2023
2. Westbound (To Pietermaritzburg) – Another truck crash occurred after the Ashburton Interchange (I/C), causing significant disruptions for those travelling towards Pietermaritzburg.
The situation became more dire as traffic piled up on both sides of the freeway, and commuters were advised to expect heavy delays.
At 07:48 AM, the N3 Toll Route official Twitter account provided information on the ongoing situation, stating that the N3 Durban-bound near Nottingham Road I/C 132 was entirely closed due to a crash involving a truck and a bakkie.
Recovery efforts were underway, but traffic remained severely congested.
Motorists were urged to approach the area with caution.
The same source reported that another crash had occurred in the same vicinity, this time involving two trucks.
Traffic was moving past the scene, but caution was once again emphasized as a necessary approach.
As authorities and recovery teams worked to clear the wreckage and restore traffic flow, commuters in KwaZulu-Natal were urged to exercise patience and take alternative routes if possible.
The situation on the N3 freeway is fluid and subject to change, and commuters are advised to stay updated on the latest traffic information from reliable sources as they plan their journeys through the affected area.
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