Heavy snowfall has brought the N3 route to a halt, particularly between Warden and Mooi River, where trucks are unable to ascend Van Reenen’s Pass due to dangerously slippery conditions.
The icy surface has made it impossible for trucks to gain enough traction, forcing many to come to a standstill.
Videos shared by SA Truckers show snow piling up from Warden towards Harrismith, severely affecting Van Reenen’s Pass and the Mooi River area up to Nottingham Road.
Several accidents have occurred due to the treacherous road conditions, with trucks being the hardest hit, some jackknifing along the icy stretch.
Van Reenen’s Pass was earlier closed following a head-on collision between two trucks, pushing drivers to seek alternative routes via the R74, which is also blanketed in snow.
Watch: Heavy Snowfall on N3 Cause Traffic Chaos
The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 6 snowstorm warning for Northern KZN, and heavy snowfall is expected to continue throughout the night. Oliviershoek Pass on the R74 has left some motorists trapped, with rescue services now working to assist those stranded.
N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has started applying brine to improve road grip, but further road closures on both the N3 and R74 are highly likely as conditions worsen.
Stay tuned for more updates, and if possible, avoid traveling in these areas for your safety.
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