A serious multi-vehicle collision on the N3 near Hilton left at least 11 people injured on Tuesday morning, prompting a major emergency response and the temporary closure of the busy highway.
At approximately 07:00, the KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service responded to urgent reports of a crash involving a passenger taxi, a private motor vehicle, and a heavy goods truck on the stretch of road between the Hilton and Peter Brown off-ramps. When emergency teams arrived at the scene, they were met with what they described as a chaotic and dangerous situation, with debris scattered across the roadway and severely damaged vehicles blocking traffic.
Preliminary information suggests that the taxi first collided with a light motor vehicle before crashing into the rear of the truck. The force of the impact left the taxi extensively damaged, with its front end crumpled and wedged against the heavy vehicle. The severity of the collision resulted in the taxi’s driver and front-seat passenger becoming trapped inside the wreckage.
Rescue teams, including paramedics and local Fire and Rescue services, immediately began a complex extrication operation. Using specialised hydraulic equipment, emergency workers carefully stabilised the vehicle and worked to free the trapped occupants. The rescue effort required precise coordination to ensure the safety of both the victims and the responders, as the damaged taxi posed a significant risk due to its unstable position.
In total, 11 patients were treated at the scene. Four of them sustained serious injuries and required advanced life support intervention before being transported to hospital. The remaining seven suffered minor to moderate injuries and were treated by paramedics before being taken to nearby medical facilities for further assessment and care.
In a fortunate turn of events, a mother and her two children who were travelling in the private motor vehicle involved in the crash escaped without physical injuries. However, emergency personnel treated them on scene for severe shock and emotional distress caused by the traumatic incident.
Once all patients had been stabilised, they were transported to various local hospitals for definitive medical treatment. Authorities confirmed that no fatalities were reported at the scene, though several of the injured remained under close medical observation due to the seriousness of their conditions.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) were also present to manage traffic and begin investigations into the cause of the crash. Due to the scale of the rescue and recovery operation, the N3 northbound was completely closed for approximately two hours, leading to significant traffic congestion during the morning peak period.
By around 09:00, the roadway had been cleared and traffic flow gradually returned to normal. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the collision, and investigations are ongoing.
Authorities have urged motorists to remain cautious, especially during peak travel times, and to adhere strictly to road safety regulations to help prevent similar incidents in the future. The crash serves as another reminder of the dangers on South Africa’s busy highways and the importance of responsible driving to protect all road users.
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