uMtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal – A devastating road accident on the N2 highway has resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including four adults and one child, following a collision between a light passenger vehicle and a heavy-duty truck. The incident occurred in the Manandi area within the Inkosi uMtubatuba Local Municipality, as confirmed by provincial authorities.
The crash, which took place on January 30, 2026, involved a Corsa sedan and a tipper truck. According to reports from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), the impact led to immediate fatalities at the scene. In addition to the deceased, two other people sustained serious injuries and were transported for medical treatment.
Provincial officials have initiated coordinated response efforts. RTI personnel are collaborating with local disaster management teams from the Inkosi uMtubatuba Local Municipality to manage the aftermath, including clearing the roadway to restore traffic flow. This joint operation aims to minimize disruptions on the busy N2 route, which serves as a critical artery for travel in the region.
In a statement released from Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House, the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, highlighted the gravity of the event. The department has pledged support for the affected families, with a dedicated team assigned to provide assistance during this difficult time. Condolences have been extended to the bereaved, and well-wishes offered for the recovery of the injured.
To determine the cause of the accident, an official investigation has been launched. This probe will involve the RTI, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and the South African Police Service (SAPS). The collaboration seeks to examine factors such as vehicle conditions, road safety compliance, and potential contributing elements like weather or driver error, though no preliminary findings have been disclosed yet.
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about road safety on the N2, a highway known for high traffic volumes and occasional heavy vehicle involvement. Provincial transport authorities emphasize the importance of adherence to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies.
For further information, contact Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, at 082 375 4742.
The investigation remains ongoing, with updates expected as more details emerge.
Fatal Collision on N3 Highway Claims One Life, Injures Twelve Others
Pietermaritzburg – A tragic accident on the N3 Durban-bound highway near the Camperdown offramp resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries on Sunday afternoon.
Emergency services from ALS Paramedics were dispatched shortly after 1:30 p.m. to the scene, located just outside Pietermaritzburg. Upon arrival, responders encountered a chaotic situation involving a collision between two vehicles: a bakkie carrying passengers and another vehicle.
According to reports from the scene, the impact caused the bakkie to lose control, leading it to roll over and eject its occupants onto the busy national highway. The severity of the incident prompted an immediate call for additional ambulances to handle the high number of casualties.
The driver of the bakkie, a man in his forties, suffered severe injuries. Paramedics with advanced life support capabilities attempted to stabilize him on site, but he subsequently experienced cardiac arrest. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
In addition to the driver, twelve other individuals from the bakkie sustained injuries requiring medical attention. Due to the absence of supporting ambulances from other services, ALS Paramedics managed the entire transport operation. They dispatched vehicles from distant locations, including Durban Central, to ensure all injured parties were conveyed to nearby government hospitals for further treatment.
The exact sequence of events preceding the crash remains unclear at this time. Officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) responded to the incident and are conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the cause.
This stretch of the N3 highway is a major route connecting key areas in KwaZulu-Natal, and such accidents highlight the ongoing risks associated with high-speed travel and vehicle overcrowding. Authorities have not released further details on the condition of the injured or the status of the other vehicle’s occupants, pending the completion of their inquiries.
The incident underscores the critical role of rapid emergency response in multi-casualty scenarios, where timely intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes. ALS Paramedics’ efforts ensured that the surviving victims received prompt care despite the logistical challenges posed by the remote location and limited immediate resources.
