Four people have tragically lost their lives following a devastating collision involving four bakkies on the N2 highway at Kwambonami on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast. The fatal crash occurred on Friday afternoon and has once again raised serious concerns about dangerous driving behaviour on South Africa’s major roads.
According to the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), the accident happened when one of the vehicles attempted to overtake another in a no-overtaking zone. RTI spokesperson Sindi Msimang confirmed that the bakkie crossed a double barrier line and collided head-on with oncoming traffic, triggering a chain reaction crash involving three other bakkies travelling in the opposite direction.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the collision was reported. On arrival, paramedics found four occupants had sustained fatal injuries and were declared dead at the scene. Two other victims were rescued from the wreckage and transported to hospital in critical condition, where they are currently receiving urgent medical care.
The severity of the crash forced authorities to temporarily close the N2 to traffic in both directions while rescue operations, forensic investigations and debris removal were carried out. Traffic officers implemented stop-and-go measures and opened a shoulder lane to ease congestion as motorists experienced significant delays in the area.
Msimang described the scene as active and chaotic, with extensive damage to all four vehicles involved. She stressed that overtaking on double barrier lines remains one of the leading causes of fatal accidents on national roads, particularly during high-traffic periods.
“This was a preventable tragedy. One of the bakkies was travelling southbound and attempted to overtake on a double barrier line, colliding with vehicles travelling in the opposite direction. Sadly, four people lost their lives on scene,” Msimang said.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, especially during the festive season when traffic volumes are high and road conditions can be unpredictable. Law enforcement agencies across KwaZulu-Natal have intensified patrols and roadblocks in an effort to curb reckless driving, speeding and dangerous overtaking.
The incident adds to a growing list of fatal crashes reported across the province in recent weeks. KwaZulu-Natal continues to record some of the highest road fatality figures in the country, with human error cited as the primary contributing factor in most accidents.
Motorists have been reminded to obey traffic laws, remain patient on the roads and avoid risky manoeuvres that endanger lives. Officials have also encouraged drivers to rest adequately, avoid distractions and never overtake unless it is safe and legal to do so.
As investigations into the crash continue, families of the victims are left mourning yet another tragic loss of life on South Africa’s roads. Authorities have reiterated that road safety is a shared responsibility and that adherence to the rules of the road can prevent needless deaths.
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