The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has confirmed that a Zimbabwean truck driver died after he crashed into 11 vehicles at the Marianhill Toll Plaza on the notorious N3 in Durban.
The horrific crash happened on Friday night, 13 December.
HORRIFIC CRASH ON THE N3 IN DURBAN
Following the incident, motorists were urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes and to delay any trip leading to Marrianhill Toll Plaza.
The KZN Department of Transport said a heavy motor vehicle from Zimbabwe collided into six trucks and five light motor vehicles.
The truck driver who was trapped eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Sibiya said their preliminary figures for the period 1 December 2024 to 12 December 2024 are a cause for concern.
There were 56 crashes recorded in 2023 during this period, however, in 2024 there are 63 crashes and following the multiple-vehicle crash in Marianhill Toll Plaza, this number will increase.
“We have unfortunately recorded an increase of 13%,” Sibiya said.
ETHEKWINI DISTRICT LEADS WITH CRASHES AND FATALITIES
Additionally, in 2023, there were 63 fatalities recorded in the same period mention above and in 2024 there are 64 fatalities, which is an increase of 5%.
Most of the crashes and fatalities occurred in the following districts:
- eThekwini – Leads with 26 crashes and 26 fatalities
- King Cetshwayo – 10 crashes and 10 fatalities
- Ugu – 10 crashes and 10 fatalities
- Zululand – five crashes and five fatalities
- uMgungundlovu – three crashes and three fatalities
- Umkhanyakude – three crashes and three fatalities
- Uthukela – three crashes and three fatalities
- Ilembe – two crashes and two fatalities
- Umzinyathi – one crash and one fatality
“According to our analysis, most of these fatal crashes occur between 6:00 and 10:00 , and between 17:00 and 1:00 over the weekend. The leading causes of accidents are speeding, drunken driving, fatigue, and roadworthiness of vehicles,” Sibiya said.
Sibiya said it is for these reasons that 2 745 officers from Road Traffic Inspectorate will be out on the roads this long weekend.
The traffic officers will be supported by 808 vehicles to intensify the monitoring of speed and ensure the enforcement of traffic rules.
Multidisciplinary roadblocks involving different law enforcement agencies will be carried out from Friday night, 13 December until next week.
WILL YOU BE TRAVELLING ON THE N3 IN DURBAN THIS FESTIVE SEASON? HOW ARE YOU PLANNING TO ENSURE THAT YOU GET TO YOUR DESTINATION SAFELY?
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