A major multi-vehicle collision forced the complete shutdown of the N3 highway near Peace Valley in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday morning, causing extensive delays and requiring an emergency medical helicopter for evacuations.
The incident, which occurred during the morning rush hour at approximately 7:30 a.m., involved a truck that lost control and collided with approximately twenty light motor vehicles. According to Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesperson, Sindi Msimang, the truck was the cause of the extensive pile-up.
The crash scene was described as chaotic, with vehicles strewn across both the Pietermaritzburg-bound and Durban-bound carriageways. A bakkie was seen on its side on the Pietermaritzburg-bound side, while a vehicle was also reported to be on its roof on the opposite Durban-bound side.
The severity of the crash necessitated a full closure of the highway to allow emergency services to respond. An emergency helicopter was dispatched to the scene to airlift the injured, a process which required a further temporary closure of the road to allow the aircraft to land safely.
The incident took place within a construction zone, which complicated recovery efforts. While all lanes have since been reopened, one lane near the crash site at Cliffdale remains closed for final clearing operations. This has resulted in a significant traffic backlog stretching back to the Shongweni Road exit, near the Marian Hill Plaza.
Motorists were advised that while traffic was moving slowly, extensive delays persist in both directions. Authorities are also warning that onlookers on the opposite carriageway are adding to the congestion, alongside pre-existing breakdowns.
Clean-up and recovery operations are ongoing, but officials warn that traffic is expected to remain heavily affected for some time as the backlog clears.
