The Easter weekend got off to a horrific start on the N3 near Town Hill, with two major crashes in the early hours of Friday morning leaving more than 65 people injured and traffic at a complete standstill for several hours.
Emergency services from Mi7 National Group and various agencies were stretched thin as they responded to back-to-back collisions in the same area within a three-hour window.
The first incident happened shortly after midnight, involving two heavy-duty trucks.
One of the trucks veered off the highway and down an embankment, while the other ended up straddling both the middle and slow lanes, creating a significant hazard.
Emergency responders from Mi7 EMS and the Msunduzi Fire Department found one truck driver trapped in the wreckage.
Paramedics worked alongside rescue crews to stabilise the critically injured driver before executing a complex extraction.
The driver was rushed to hospital under advanced life support. Two more people sustained injuries and were also taken to hospital.
Read | Truck Driver Tragically Killed in N3 Town Hill Accident
Mass Casualty Pile-Up Hours Later
Just before 3am, a second and far more devastating crash unfolded in the same area — believed to have been triggered by the congestion and debris left behind from the first incident.
A bus reportedly slammed into the rear of a container truck, setting off a chain reaction involving at least 15 vehicles — including two trucks, two taxis, and several passenger cars.
The scene was described by responders as “absolute carnage,” with vehicles strewn across all lanes.
One bus passenger was trapped and had to be freed by firefighters. Triage zones were quickly set up, and medical teams got to work.
Injuries at a Glance:
– 1 seriously injured
– 3 moderately injured
– 61 with minor injuries
Only four people required hospitalisation. The rest were treated at the scene and released.
Traffic was heavily backed up as authorities cleared the highway and launched investigations into both incidents.
As thousands of motorists hit the roads this Easter weekend, authorities are pleading with road users to remain vigilant, drive responsibly, and stay alert to prevent further tragedies.
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