As South Africans prepare for the Easter long weekend, authorities are urging motorists to exercise heightened caution after a serious multi-vehicle crash on the N3 near the Tugela Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal early on Thursday morning, 2 April 2026.
The collision, involving two trucks and a public transport bus carrying 53 passengers, left 25 people receiving treatment at Ladysmith Hospital, with one person reported to be in a critical condition.
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The remaining 28 passengers escaped without injury.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, preliminary findings by the Road Traffic Inspectorate indicate that the crash occurred at about 3am when a Zimbabwean truck driver allegedly attempted an illegal U-turn on the N3 near the Tugela Toll Plaza, moving directly into the path of another truck and the bus travelling southbound. The manoeuvre resulted in a major collision.
Authorities further indicated that steel plates being transported on the turning truck came loose during the incident and struck the passenger bus, causing the driver to lose control before the vehicle overturned.
One person has been seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash near the Tugela Plaza on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday morning.
The crash involved a bus carrying 53 passengers, two trucks and other vehicles.
Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesperson Sindi Msimang says eyewitnesses reported that a truck was making an illegal U-turn on the highway when the collision occurred.
“Apparently, one of the trucks was making a U-turn, which is an unlawful manoeuvre on the N3 to make a U-turn.”
“And then the first truck collided with that particular heavy motor vehicle that was making a U-turn, and then the bus also collided with the very same heavy motor vehicle, causing the bus to capsize.”
“The fast lane of the northbound was obstructed and the fast lane on the southbound is also obstructed. The traffic is moving through the scene,” says Msimang.
The injured passenger has been taken to hospital.
Authorities say one heavy vehicle has been recovered, while efforts continue to clear the scene.
NT3C chief operating officer Thania Dhoogra says, “A multiple vehicle crash incident involving a public transport vehicle occurred early this morning, obstructing the toll route just south of the Tugela plaza.”
“Road incident management teams are on the scene attending to the crash. Traffic is being accommodated on scene and there are currently no extensive delays or backlogs of traffic.
“However, motorists are advised to approach the area with caution and to please obey the instructions of law enforcement officials on scene.”
The incident comes as authorities prepare for increased traffic volumes ahead of the Easter long weekend.
In Johannesburg, the Public Safety Department has launched its Easter Safety Campaign targeting drunk driving, unroadworthy vehicles and crime.
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MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku says, “Drinking and driving, driving recklessly, also expired discs, checking unroadworthiness.”
“And also we are gonna do stop-and-search operations, because we know some of these cars are gonna be used for transporting drugs, as well as for money laundering and all of that.”
