A tragic road accident on the N2 near Manandi in KwaZulu-Natal has claimed the lives of five people, including a child, and left two others seriously injured, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The collision, which involved a light motor vehicle and a tipper truck, has once again highlighted growing concerns about road safety on one of the country’s busiest highways.
The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Inkosi uMtubatuba Local Municipality, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting an urgent response from emergency and traffic officials. According to a statement issued from Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) reported that a Corsa and a tipper truck collided head-on along the N2 in the Manandi area. The impact proved fatal for four adults and one child who were travelling in the vehicle.
Two other occupants were rescued from the wreckage and rushed to medical facilities with serious injuries. Emergency services worked swiftly at the scene to stabilise the injured and transport them for urgent treatment, while disaster management teams were deployed to assist with recovery operations and traffic control.
Authorities expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as a heartbreaking loss for the community. “We wish to express our sincere sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic crash, and we wish those who were injured a speedy and full recovery,” the statement read.
The crash led to temporary disruptions along the N2 as officials worked to clear the scene and ensure the safety of other road users. The RTI confirmed that it is working closely with disaster management teams from the Inkosi uMtubatuba Local Municipality to speed up recovery efforts and restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible.
In addition, the office of the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements has pledged to provide support to the affected families during this difficult time. A dedicated team will be assigned to liaise with relatives of the deceased and injured, ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance and guidance in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Crucially, an investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched. The RTI will conduct the probe in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Officials say the investigation will focus on determining the circumstances that led to the collision, including possible factors such as speed, road conditions, vehicle roadworthiness, and driver behaviour.
This latest crash adds to a growing list of serious accidents on major routes across the country, renewing calls for heightened vigilance among motorists. Road safety authorities continue to urge drivers to obey traffic laws, avoid reckless driving, and remain alert at all times, especially on high-traffic routes like the N2.
As the community mourns the lives lost in this devastating incident, officials have reiterated their commitment to improving road safety and ensuring that those responsible, if any wrongdoing is found, are held accountable. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of road accidents and the importance of responsible driving by all road users.