Pietermaritzburg, South Africa – A devastating collision on the R33 outside Pietermaritzburg has left a mother and her two young children in critical condition. The accident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, August 26, 2025, around 2 PM, involved a private family car and a cash-in-transit vehicle that overturned during the crash.
According to emergency responders, the impact was severe, resulting in five people sustaining serious injuries. The mother and her children, believed to be aged six and two, bore the brunt of the accident as they were travelling in the smaller vehicle. Paramedics described their condition as “critical but stable” as they were rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The two occupants of the cash transport vehicle, both security guards, were also injured in the collision. One guard was trapped inside the wreckage and had to be freed by rescue personnel using hydraulic equipment before being airlifted to hospital. His colleague, although seriously hurt, was able to receive treatment on-site before being transported by ambulance.
KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service, along with local rescue teams, were among the first to arrive at the scene. Paramedics worked swiftly under tense conditions, stabilising the victims before arranging their transfer to medical facilities in and around Pietermaritzburg. Witnesses commended the quick response of emergency workers, saying their intervention likely saved lives.
While the exact cause of the crash is not yet known, police have confirmed that an investigation is underway. Preliminary reports suggest that the vehicles collided head-on, though authorities have not ruled out the possibility of reckless driving, high speed, or road conditions playing a role. Accident reconstruction specialists are expected to conduct further assessments to determine the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
The R33, which connects Pietermaritzburg to surrounding areas, is notorious for accidents, especially involving heavy and high-risk vehicles. Locals have long raised concerns about the dangers posed by speeding cars and large trucks along the route, calling for increased law enforcement presence and stricter road safety measures. This latest crash has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for road safety awareness campaigns and infrastructure improvements.
Community members have expressed deep concern and sympathy for the injured family. Messages of support have poured in on social media, with many residents praying for the recovery of the young children. The mother’s relatives, who arrived at the hospital shortly after the accident, were said to be in shock but grateful that all three were still alive despite their critical condition.
Police have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on the R33, particularly when overtaking or travelling at high speeds. They have also appealed to witnesses of the accident to come forward with information that could assist the ongoing investigation.
As the injured victims continue their fight for survival in hospital, authorities hope that the tragedy will serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, patience, and responsibility on South Africa’s roads.
About the Author
