A devastating road accident in Pietermaritzburg has left three people dead and one person seriously injured after a vehicle lost control and crashed into a bridge on Payn Street. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 29 June 2025, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to Craig Botha from the KwaZulu-Natal Private Ambulance Services, emergency responders were dispatched to the scene immediately following the collision. Upon arrival, paramedics found a horrific scene, with the vehicle severely damaged and one person – the driver – trapped inside the wreckage.
Botha explained that specialised hydraulic rescue tools were used by paramedics and Fire and Rescue Services to carefully extricate the driver from the mangled remains of the vehicle. The rescue operation was a coordinated effort that involved cutting through twisted metal to safely remove the survivor.
https://x.com/_ArriveAlive/status/1939228405884694842?t=twobnB2PZSXSY4u2ydu2nw&s=19
“Sadly, this incident resulted in three fatalities,” said Botha. “The driver sustained serious injuries and received immediate medical attention at the scene before being transported to hospital for further care.”
The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, pending notification of their next of kin. Authorities have also not confirmed the cause of the crash but have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of life.
Eyewitnesses in the area reported hearing a loud bang followed by the arrival of emergency sirens. Residents who live near Payn Street gathered at the scene as word of the crash spread. Some expressed concerns about road safety in the area, citing speeding and poor visibility as ongoing problems, particularly during early morning hours.
The crash has once again raised alarms about the high number of road fatalities in KwaZulu-Natal and across the country. Road safety advocates continue to urge motorists to exercise caution, avoid reckless driving, and adhere to speed limits to prevent further loss of life.
Transport officials and local authorities are expected to assess the scene and evaluate if additional safety measures are needed in the area, including better signage or road barriers to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This tragic accident follows a series of deadly road incidents in recent months, contributing to the mounting concern over road safety in South Africa. With the festive season approaching, emergency services have reiterated their call for vigilance on the roads to reduce preventable accidents.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of three lives in a crash that has left yet another mark on the city of Pietermaritzburg. The seriously injured driver remains in hospital, and no further updates have been provided regarding their condition.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has additional information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
Stay tuned for updates on this story as more information becomes available.