Horrific accident as a bakkie collides with a truck on the N3. Three people died unfortunately and Duma receives a report from RTI
Media and Public Statement by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma
16 January 2026
Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: We wish to express our deepest condolences to the families of the three victims of a horrific accident along the N3.
Just after 09h30 I received a report from RTI informing me of this accident involving a bakkie and a truck.
The accident happened around 09:10 on the N3 east bound (Durban bound) between the M13 bridge and Shongweni off ramp.
It is alleged that a bakkie was travelling on the west bound towards Pietermaritzburg when it lost control and collided head on with a truck that was travelling towards Durban.
According to the truck driver, this bakkie came flying from the opposite lane through the centre median into his truck where it hits just below the windscreen.
The momentum carried the bakkie to the concrete barriers and pushed them to five construction workers from WBHO who were busy with their duties.
The bakkie caught fire in the process where two of the occupants got burnt beyond recognition. Somehow one occupant got thrown out of the vehicle.
Sadly, amongst the three occupants, two got burnt inside the vehicle.
The truck also lost control trying to avoid the bakkie and landed on the ditch on the opposite bound (Pietermaritzburg bound) approximately 100 metres down the ditch from the road.
The driver of the truck only sustained minor scratches.
It is unfortunate that this accident comes after we recorded a decrease in fatalities and accidents.
The scene of the accident is still active and the Durban bound lane is closed to enable the recovery and cleaning up process to proceed.
Ends
Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements
Enquiries
Ndabezinhle Sibiya | 082 375 4752 | Spokesperson | MEC for Transport and Human Settlements
