Pietermaritzburg – Traffic authorities on Monday closed the N3, near Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, after a massive pile-up that left at least five people dead and many others injured.
The Easter Monday collisions occurred during misty conditions.
The National Department of Transport said, “preliminary investigations suggest that at least five people have lost their lives and scores sustained injuries during this horrific crash”.
The department added: “This accident involves five trucks, eight minibus taxis, and 22 light motor vehicles”.
The department urged motorists to use alternative routes such as R103 or delay their travel arrangements until the N3 is cleared.
“This multiple vehicle crash and pile-up has forced the authorities to close the southbound between Hilton and Cedara, Johannesburg bound,” the department said.
“N3 South (Durban bound) has also been forced to close due to recoveries and provision of access by emergency services to the accident scene.”
