The Department of Transport in KZN is beefing up deployment along its major routes following two multi-vehicle crashes that have so far, claimed the life of one person and left scores more injured.
Image: ALS Paramedics
The Department of Transport in KwaZulu-Natal is beefing up law enforcement along the province's highways following two major truck crashes on the N3, at the weekend.
"We are strengthening our roadworthiness inspections through the deployment of 197 traffic officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
"The officers will augment the work of more than 2 745 traffic officers that are currently enforcing traffic rules and monitoring our roads to ensure the safety of road users," said KZN Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma.
He said the officers will be deployed in the regions of Durban, Mtubatuba and in the Ugu Municipality.
On Saturday, emergency services attended to a crash scene on the N3, Durban-bound, just before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza.
Garrith Jamieson of ALS Paramedics, said a truck driver allegedly lost control, causing the vehicle to crash into a bus, minibus taxi and three cars.
"Approximately 15 people sustained various injuries and once stabilised at the scene, they were all transported to various Durban Hospitals for the further care that they required," he said.
One of the cars involved in a multi-vehicle crash on the N3.
Image: ALS Paramedics
Emergency services say the truck ploughed into several vehicles on the N3.
Image: ALS Paramedics
In a crash, just hours before, a truck driver was killed and 15 injured in a crash, also in the same vicinity.
Jamieson said paramedics arrived at the scene to find carnage and chaos.
"Approximately six trucks and five vehicles were involved in the crash leaving multiple people entrapped and injured. Immediately more ambulances as well as Advanced Life Support Paramedics were dispatched to assist. The eThekweni Fire Department were also requested to assist with the necessary rescue tools," he said.
"Unfortunately one of the truck drivers was found severely entrapped in their wreckage and despite best attempts by Paramedics he passed away on the scene," Jamieson added.
A truck driver was killed and 15 people injured in a crash on the N3, on Friday
Image: ALS Paramedics
N3 Toll Route chief operating officer, Thania Dhoogra, said in as many as 56% of all crashes recorded on the N3 Toll Route between January and October 2024, drivers lost control of their vehicles.
Dhoogra said 84% of these crashes occurred in clear weather conditions.
She urged drivers to be responsible, maintain speed limits, keep a proper following distance and avoid distractions.
"The consequences of risk-taking and lawlessness are far-reaching. One poor decision may cause lifelong trauma extending beyond that of the immediate victims, but impacting many associated individuals and ultimately, the very fabric of our society," she added.
Read more about what to expect on the N3 this festive season.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL
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