Authorities sit around a table The investigation into the crash on the N3 between Van Reenen’s Pass and Tugela Plaza that resulted in 18 deaths has begun. Picture: KZN Department of Transport and Human Settlements
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged motorists to avoid travelling at night in rainy conditions following a horrific accident on the N3 between Van Reenen’s Pass and Tugela Plaza on Monday that resulted in 17 deaths.
While an initial death toll of 18 had been reported by authorities this figure was revised down to 17 by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport on Tuesday afternoon. The department said in a statement there had been 10 adults and seven children killed. Only one person survived, a girl.
It said the crash involved a truck and a minibus. At the time of the collision, the truck was driving in the fast lane on the southbound, whilst the minibus was driving in the fast lane, northbound.
The taxi, affiliated with Uncedo Taxi Association, was travelling from Qumbu in the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg in Gauteng.
KZN Department of Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said: “I requested the HoD and the entire team to visit the brave little girl in hospital. We are comforted by the fact that she is recovering.”
He said from the video footage obtained during the initial stage of the investigation, it was clear that the minibus lost control, swerved toward the right oncoming traffic lane, and collided with the truck head-on.
Duma said there were conflicting reports about the truck driver’s details and location.
“We wish to report that according to our quick investigation, the truck driver is a foreign national, Mr N. Mbedezi, a 37-year-old from Zimbabwe,” Duma stated.
He said according to the owner of the minibus taxi, the families of the deceased have been identified and notified.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said: “The Road Traffic Management Corporation would like to reiterate its calls to motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving in rainy conditions.”
“Drivers are also advised to avoid night-time travel as evidence has shown that this is the time at which most fatal crashes happen,” he said.
Zwane said members of the National Traffic Police and the South African Police Service worked the whole night to clear the scene and provide assistance to the affected road users.
“The SA Weather Service has issued a warning for severe weather conditions in some parts of the country, and motorists are advised to reduce speed, increase the following distance, and keep lights on,” said the RTMC.