WATCH: Six Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving Two Trucks and Bakkie on N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass

Nomfundo Khumalo Published 13 hours ago

3 min read

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Six people have died following a serious multi-vehicle collision involving two trucks and a light delivery vehicle on the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.

The crash occurred at approximately 12:43 between Sand River and Pyramids Hotel, resulting in a major emergency response and the temporary closure of the highway in both directions.

According to preliminary information released by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the light delivery vehicle was allegedly transporting workers in the back when it collided head-on with a truck travelling southbound towards Durban.

The truck reportedly lost control before colliding with the light delivery vehicle and sideswiping a second truck travelling in the opposite direction.

Six people died in the collision. Authorities have not released the identities of the deceased or provided further confirmed details about their ages and circumstances.

Investigation Into Cause of Crash

The exact circumstances that led to the collision remain under investigation.

The RTMC has indicated that the information available about the sequence of events is preliminary. Investigators will need to establish what caused the truck to lose control and determine the circumstances surrounding the initial collision.

The involvement of three vehicles made the incident a major multi-vehicle crash on one of the country’s key transport routes between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

No definitive cause of the crash has been confirmed, and further details about possible contributing factors have not been established in the available reports.

Van Reenen’s Pass Closed Following Collision

Following the crash, Van Reenen’s Pass was closed to traffic while emergency services, healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers and road incident management teams attended to the scene.

The northbound and southbound fast lanes were obstructed, creating significant disruption for motorists travelling along the N3 Toll Route.

Recovery and clean-up operations were required before the affected section could safely accommodate traffic again.

N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) subsequently confirmed that the N3 had reopened at approximately 17:40 on Tuesday evening.

Although the route was reopened, motorists were warned to expect congestion and delays while the traffic backlog cleared. Drivers were also urged to remain patient, exercise caution and follow instructions from traffic officials.

MEC Conveys Condolences to Families

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed the six fatalities following information received from the province’s road traffic authorities.

Duma conveyed his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in the collision.

The incident adds to the serious road safety concerns associated with fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles and other road users on major transport routes.

Authorities have not yet provided further confirmed information about the victims or indicated when additional findings from the investigation may be released.

Motorists Urged to Exercise Caution

Motorists travelling through Van Reenen’s Pass have been advised to remain alert and exercise caution, particularly while traffic congestion clears following the closure.

Road users can obtain official traffic updates through N3TC’s N3 Route information channels or contact the 24-hour N3 helpline on 0800 63 43 57 to report emergencies along the route.