A serious multi-vehicle accident on the N3 near the Tugela Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal has left 25 people injured, raising fresh concerns about road safety as South Africans prepare for the busy Easter long weekend.
The crash, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, 2 April 2026, involved two trucks and a public transport bus carrying 53 passengers. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the collision, transporting 25 injured passengers to Ladysmith Hospital for treatment. One of the victims is reported to be in critical condition, while the remaining passengers escaped without injuries.
According to preliminary reports from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, the accident happened at around 3am when a truck driver, believed to be from Zimbabwe, allegedly attempted an illegal U-turn on the highway. This dangerous manoeuvre placed the truck directly in the path of oncoming traffic, leading to a devastating chain reaction involving another truck and the passenger bus.
Authorities say the situation worsened when steel plates being transported by the turning truck came loose during the incident. The heavy cargo struck the bus, causing the driver to lose control. The bus eventually overturned, leaving passengers injured and scattered across the scene.
Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesperson Sindi Msimang confirmed that eyewitnesses saw the truck making the unlawful U-turn moments before the crash. She explained that the first truck collided with the turning vehicle, after which the bus also crashed into the same truck, resulting in the bus capsizing.
“The U-turn is not permitted on the N3, and this action led directly to the collision involving multiple vehicles,” Msimang said.
The accident caused significant disruption to traffic, with both northbound and southbound fast lanes temporarily obstructed. However, traffic officials managed to control the flow of vehicles through the scene, preventing major congestion.
Emergency responders, including road incident management teams, worked swiftly to clear the wreckage and assist the injured. One of the heavy vehicles involved has already been recovered, while operations to fully reopen the highway continued throughout the morning.
N3 Toll Concession (NT3C) chief operating officer Thania Dhoogra stated that although the crash blocked part of the toll route, traffic was still being accommodated. She urged motorists to remain cautious when approaching the area and to follow instructions from law enforcement officers on site.
Despite the severity of the crash, authorities confirmed that there were no major traffic backlogs. However, the incident has served as a stark warning ahead of the Easter holiday period, when traffic volumes are expected to increase significantly across the country.
In response, officials are intensifying road safety campaigns. In Johannesburg, the Public Safety Department has already launched its Easter Safety Campaign, focusing on curbing reckless driving, drunk driving, and the use of unroadworthy vehicles.
MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku highlighted that law enforcement teams will also conduct stop-and-search operations to combat crime linked to increased travel, including the transportation of illegal substances.
Authorities are urging all motorists to obey traffic laws, avoid reckless behaviour, and remain vigilant on the roads to prevent further tragedies during the holiday season.
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