A tragic early morning crash on the R61 near Munster on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast has left two people dead and forced a full road closure, once again putting the spotlight on the danger of livestock roaming on public roads.
Emergency services, including KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service, were dispatched to the scene at around 6:30 am following reports of a serious multi-vehicle collision.
According to preliminary information, a bakkie travelling from Port Edward towards Port Shepstone, carrying two men believed to be in their late 40s, collided with a cow that had wandered onto the roadway. The impact caused the driver to lose control, sending the vehicle into the path of an oncoming truck.
In an attempt to avoid a direct collision, the truck driver swerved, but the heavy vehicle overturned during the manoeuvre, blocking both lanes of the R61 with debris and wreckage.
Paramedics arriving on scene found the two occupants of the bakkie trapped inside the wreckage. Both men had sustained fatal injuries and were declared dead on scene. The truck driver escaped with minor injuries and was stabilised before being transported to a nearby hospital for further observation.
Firefighters from the Ray Nkonyeni Fire Department, along with local traffic authorities, worked to secure the scene and assist with recovery operations.
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The South African Police Service has since opened an investigation into the incident.
The R61 remains closed in both directions, and motorists are advised to use alternative routes while recovery teams work to clear the overturned truck and debris. Delays are expected to continue for several hours.
This incident serves as a harsh reminder of the risks posed by livestock on busy routes, especially in rural and coastal areas where fencing and animal control remain ongoing challenges.
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