KwaZulu-Natal’s roads were heavily impacted on Friday morning as three major accidents on the N3 near Ashburton caused traffic disruptions, multiple injuries, and looting.
Emergency responders reported that at least 20 people were injured in the collisions, which temporarily forced road closures and caused severe traffic delays.
The first two accidents involved trucks, while the third saw multiple cars and taxis colliding.
Mi7 security services confirmed that looters took advantage of the chaos, stealing goods from a Coca-Cola truck that had been involved in one of the crashes.
Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma expressed concern over the rise in road accidents caused by the wet conditions and urged motorists to be patient, particularly along the affected stretch of the N3.
He reiterated the urgent need to shift large cargo transportation from roads to rail networks, citing the high frequency of truck crashes on major highways such as the N3 and N2.
Midlands EMS operations director Roland Robertson advised motorists to exercise extreme caution, warning that roads remained dangerously slippery following continuous rain.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Thursday had issued a warning about widespread showers and thunderstorms across KwaZulu-Natal.
Authorities are urging drivers to reduce speed, increase following distances, and remain alert as recovery operations continue
