Durban – At least eight people died Friday morning in a head-on collision between Bridges 17 and 19 along the N2 Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
IPSS Medical Rescue and IPSS Search & Rescue said in a statement: “Tragically, all eight occupants of the light motor vehicle sustained fatal injuries, including seven high school children, and were declared deceased on scene”.
The statement added: “The driver of the truck sustained critical injuries, and was stabilised on scene by IPSS Medical Rescue Advanced Life Support Paramedics before being transported to a suitable facility for further care”.
KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said: “At this stage, our officers have reported that the driver of a seven-seater light motor vehicle lost control of his car.
“The car went over to the other lane and collided with a truck, causing it to veer off the road and overturn.
“Our hearts are with the families and relatives of eight victims of the horrific road accident between Bridges 17 and 19 on the N2 Mandeni.
“Our teams from Road Traffic Inspectorate together with emergency rescue teams are speedily intervening.”
The MEC added: “What saddens us [more] is that the victims of the road accident include young people with a brighter future.
“We request motorists to drive carefully as we have decided to close N2 in both directions – between bridges 18 and 19 on the KZN North Coast.
“This will enable medical rescue services to provide much-needed assistance to the victims.”
SA Police Service Search & Rescue members searched the area in case there were other victims while awaiting confirmation of all occupants of the light motor vehicle being accounted for.
Motorists to note:
● Traffic Southbound diverted at Dokodweni into R102.
● Traffic northbound diverted at N2 Mandeni to R102
