Emalahleni, Mpumalanga – Tragedy struck in the early hours of Friday, 9 August, when a devastating multi-vehicle collision involving at least 20 vehicles occurred at the N4 and N12 split in Emalahleni. The accident has claimed the lives of two people, with one person still trapped beneath the wreckage at the time of reporting.
Emergency services, including paramedics, fire crews, and traffic police, rushed to the scene after receiving distress calls from motorists. Due to the scale of the collision, rescue operations have been ongoing for hours as authorities continue to assess the number of injured individuals and the extent of damage. The exact number of casualties and injuries remains unclear, as officials are still combing through the crash site to locate victims and ensure no one is left unattended.
Cause of the Crash
According to preliminary reports, heavy morning mist is believed to have played a major role in the incident. The thick fog drastically reduced visibility, creating hazardous driving conditions for motorists. Officials suspect that a chain-reaction collision began when one or more vehicles slowed or stopped abruptly, leading to multiple rear-end crashes as drivers struggled to see the road ahead.
Authorities have cautioned that investigations are still underway, and other contributing factors such as speeding, driver distraction, or mechanical failures will also be examined. Accident reconstruction teams are on site to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together the sequence of events.
Road Closure and Traffic Disruption
The N4 and N12 split has been completely closed to traffic since the crash occurred, with law enforcement diverting vehicles to alternative routes. Motorists traveling through the area have been urged to avoid the crash site altogether and to remain patient as clean-up and recovery operations continue.
Long queues of traffic have formed in surrounding areas, and authorities have deployed additional officers to manage congestion and guide stranded travelers. The road is expected to remain closed for several hours, possibly into the evening, depending on how quickly the wreckage can be cleared and the road made safe for use again.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
One of the most urgent priorities for emergency responders is freeing the individual trapped under the mangled remains of a vehicle. Specialized rescue teams are carefully working to cut through the wreckage without causing further injury to the victim. Paramedics are on standby to provide immediate medical attention once the person is freed.
Authorities Call for Caution
The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison has issued a warning to motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving in adverse weather conditions, particularly during early morning hours when mist and fog are most common. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance, and ensure that headlights and hazard lights are in proper working condition.
As the community reels from the shock of the tragedy, officials have expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and assured the public that every effort is being made to complete rescue operations swiftly and safely.
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