Multi-Vehicle Collision Claims 18 Lives in KwaZulu-Natal

Wreckage of a Toyota Quantum minibus that was involved in the horror accident that claimed 18 lives on the N3 in KZN. Image: Arrive Alive.

Eighteen people (13 adults and 5 children) were killed in a multi-vehicle collision on the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, 6 January, 2025. The accident involved a truck, a minibus taxi, and another vehicle under conditions aggravated by heavy rainfall.

According to reports, the accident occurred around 8:30 PM. A baby is said to have survived the accident with serious injuries. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but initial assessments point to the slippery road conditions due to the downpour as a contributing factor.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the crash.“We wish to send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. I have requested a comprehensive report from our dedicated RTI team. We issued a statement today indicating that since last night, we have noticed an increase in road accidents along the N3, N2 and other routes as a result of heavy rainfall,” Duma said in a written statement.

The aftermath of the accident saw a massive response from emergency services, with teams from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and local emergency rescue units attending to the scene. Traffic was severely disrupted, leading to road closures and diversions that lasted into the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The truck driver involved in the accident reportedly fled the scene, prompting a search by law enforcement. This aspect of the incident has added complexity to the investigation, with authorities keen on bringing the individual to justice.

Update (9 January 2025): The number of people who died in the accident has been revised down to 17. Ukhozi FM traffic reporter and philanthropist Ayanda Msweli, speaking on his Facebook page, said that this error occurred as a result of body parts from one individual being counted twice.