A devastating multi-vehicle collision on the N3 Van Reenen Pass in KwaZulu-Natal has claimed 18 lives, including five children. The tragic accident, which occurred on the evening of Monday, January 6, 2025, involved a truck, a taxi, and a light motor vehicle. The crash happened at approximately 8:30 PM under challenging weather conditions caused by heavy rainfall in the region.
#### Emergency Response and Road Clearance
By early Tuesday morning, emergency responders had completed recovery operations at the accident site. The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) confirmed that all lanes were reopened to traffic by 6:40 AM. However, authorities warned motorists to anticipate further disruptions during cleanup operations throughout the day.
#### Government Response and Condolences
Siboniso Duma, KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also highlighted the hazardous conditions on the province’s major routes, including the N2 and N3, due to persistent heavy rainfall.
“We have seen an alarming increase in road crashes since Sunday, largely due to wet conditions. Our dedicated Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) teams are working closely with municipalities to ensure road safety,” said Duma.
Duma added that the provincial government is taking measures to address the broader impact of the severe weather, including flooding in low-lying areas. Plans are underway to provide temporary housing and building materials to affected families in Nkandla and other regions.
#### Rising Road Fatalities in KwaZulu-Natal
This tragic incident is part of a worrying trend of road fatalities in the province since the start of the New Year. More than 10 lives had already been lost before this accident, with wet roads identified as a significant contributing factor. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution while traveling during the ongoing adverse weather conditions.
#### Previous Tragedy in the Region
Just days earlier, on Saturday, January 4, a bus accident on the P100 route in Ndwedwe left one person dead and at least 54 others injured. The bus, carrying members of the Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe), reportedly lost control due to a possible brake failure before catching fire. Investigations into the exact cause of the accident are ongoing.
#### Safety Appeal to Motorists
In light of these incidents, authorities are emphasizing the need for vigilance on the roads. The combination of wet conditions, poor visibility, and driver fatigue during long journeys remains a serious risk to road users.
KwaZulu-Natal continues to grapple with the dual challenges of road safety and adverse weather conditions. As cleanup and recovery efforts proceed, the focus remains on preventing further loss of life and supporting affected families during this difficult time.