Cape Town — Road authorities have urged motorists to drive with extra care and safety over the festive period, this after 16 deaths were recorded throughout the country on Saturday alone.
Two major traffic incidents that occurred on the busy N3 caused delays and disruptions between KZN and Gauteng on Saturday morning. More than 2 000 vehicles per hour were recorded along the route travelling southbound (towards KwaZulu-Natal), and 1 200 vehicles per hour travelling northbound (towards Gauteng), IOL reported.
In one incident, a truck was on fire near Estcourt. In a separate incident, there was a multiple vehicle crash in the vicinity of Balgowan.
23/12/2023 KZN Balgowan 08:55
Multiple vehicle accident leaves 1 critical and multiple injured.Midlands EMS crews were dispatched to the N3 between Balgowan and Lions River for a multiple vehicle accident, including a bus and taxi with other vehicles.
On arrival 1 patient… pic.twitter.com/GlZR57uIOu
— Vehicle Trackers (@VehicleTrackerz) December 23, 2023
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reported that seven people died in a multi-vehicle accident on Van Reenens Pass on the KZN and Free State border, EWN reported.
“Please remain alert and drive defensively. Keep your headlights turned on, maintain following distances and always follow the sign posted speed limits,” N3 Toll Concession Operations Manager, Thania Dhoogra said.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga Community Safety MEC Vusi Shongwe has expressed concern after nine people died in two separate crashes in the province, bringing the total to 16. One accident saw the death of three travellers, while six people died when a minibus taxi rolled over several times.
“It is not clear what caused this crash, but it is suspected it could have been caused by one of the wheels going off and then led to the driver losing control,” said department spokesperson Moeti Mmusi.
Mmusi also urged extra vigilance on the roads for the festive season, and beyond, as road authorities attempt to keep travellers safe on their journeys.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
