A major road accident involving over 30 vehicles occurred on the N12 highway between Emalahleni and Ogies early on Friday morning, 11 April 2025. The collision, which took place under heavy mist conditions, left several vehicles badly damaged and at least two people seriously injured.
According to authorities, visibility was extremely poor at the time of the crash, which is believed to have been a major contributing factor to the chain-reaction collision. Motorists traveling on the N12 were caught off-guard as thick mist blanketed the area, drastically reducing sight distances and making it difficult to avoid collisions.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after reports of the pile-up were received. Rescue workers, paramedics, and traffic officials worked together to assess the damage and attend to the injured. The two individuals who were seriously hurt in the crash were stabilized on the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and distressing. Many drivers and passengers were left stranded as their vehicles were either badly damaged or blocked by the massive pile-up. “I was driving slowly due to the mist, but I still couldn’t see much ahead. Suddenly, I saw flashing lights and realized too late that vehicles were already piled up in front of me,” said one motorist involved in the crash.
Traffic authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident. While the exact cause is still under review, early indications suggest that the weather conditions played a significant role. The accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving in poor visibility and highlights the importance of maintaining safe following distances and reducing speed in hazardous conditions.
The N12 had to be temporarily closed in both directions while emergency personnel worked to clear the wreckage and ensure the safety of all those involved. Authorities advised motorists to use alternative routes while clean-up operations were underway. Traffic delays were reported in and around the area for several hours.
Law enforcement and road safety officials have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution when traveling in misty or foggy weather. “Drivers need to slow down, turn on their headlights, and be extra alert during such conditions. We are fortunate that no fatalities have been reported, but this incident could have been far worse,” said a spokesperson for the local traffic department.
By midday, most of the damaged vehicles had been removed from the road, and traffic flow was gradually being restored. The condition of the two injured individuals remains unknown at this time.
This unfortunate incident has once again put the spotlight on road safety, especially during adverse weather conditions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have pledged to improve visibility warnings along major routes to prevent similar accidents in the future.