A serious road crash on the N3 near the Marianhill Toll Plaza has left numerous people injured after a heavy truck reportedly overturned and landed on top of a minibus taxi and a small vehicle. The incident, which occurred on the Durban-bound carriageway, caused major traffic disruptions and sparked urgent rescue efforts from emergency services.
According to early reports, the truck was travelling towards Durban when the driver allegedly lost control, causing the vehicle to veer across lanes before toppling onto the taxi and a light motor vehicle. The force of the impact left both smaller vehicles badly crushed, trapping several occupants inside.
Emergency medical teams, firefighters, and law enforcement officials rushed to the scene shortly after receiving distress calls from motorists. Upon arrival, paramedics found multiple injured passengers who required immediate attention. Some individuals sustained moderate injuries, while others suffered more serious trauma as a result of the collision.
Firefighters were forced to use hydraulic rescue tools — commonly known as the “Jaws of Life” — to free passengers who were trapped inside the taxi. The high-impact nature of the crash made the extraction process delicate and time-consuming, as rescuers worked carefully to avoid aggravating victims’ injuries.
Traffic authorities temporarily closed off several lanes on the N3 as rescue teams worked to stabilize the scene. This caused long traffic backlogs stretching for several kilometres, with motorists advised to seek alternative routes. Officers from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and metro police helped control the flow of vehicles and ensured that emergency workers could operate safely.
Witnesses described the crash as chaotic and frightening. Some motorists who were driving behind the truck reported seeing it swaying moments before the accident, while others said the noise of the impact could be heard from a considerable distance. “It was terrifying,” one motorist said. “The truck just toppled over, and everything happened so fast.”
Paramedics treated the injured on site before transporting them to various hospitals in Durban and surrounding areas. Although the exact number of casualties has not yet been confirmed, authorities have stated that there were “many injured” due to the number of occupants in the taxi at the time of the crash. No fatalities have been officially reported, but officials have not ruled out the possibility as some victims sustained severe injuries.
The cause of the accident is now under investigation. Authorities will examine factors such as vehicle condition, possible brake failure, driver fatigue, and road conditions at the time of the crash. The outcome of the investigation is expected to provide clarity on what led to such a devastating incident.
This crash highlights ongoing concerns about road safety on South Africa’s major highways, particularly involving heavy-duty vehicles and public transport. The N3, a critical route connecting Durban and inland provinces, has seen numerous accidents over the years, prompting renewed calls for stricter monitoring of truck safety and driver compliance.
Officials have urged motorists to remain cautious, especially during busy travel periods, and to report any reckless driving immediately. Further updates will be provided as authorities release more information regarding the condition of the injured and the progress of the investigation.
