Major N3 Crash Near Pietermaritzburg Causes Massive Traffic Chaos

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa – A devastating crash on the N3 near Peace Valley, Pietermaritzburg, brought traffic to a standstill on Thursday morning after a truck collided with multiple vehicles during rush hour.

Truck Loses Control, Ploughs Into 20 Vehicles

According to the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) spokesperson, Sindi Msimang, the truck lost control and smashed into at least 20 light motor vehicles. The impact was so severe that both the northbound and southbound lanes of the N3 had to be completely shut down.

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Medical Helicopter Deployed for Rescue

Due to the seriousness of the injuries, a medical helicopter was dispatched to airlift victims to nearby hospitals. This required a full highway closure, ensuring emergency personnel had safe access to the accident scene.

Traffic Gridlock During Morning Rush Hour

By mid-morning, one lane had reopened, but traffic remained heavily congested in both directions. Motorists reported queues stretching back for several kilometres, with delays expected throughout the day.

Authorities have urged motorists travelling between Durban and Pietermaritzburg to plan ahead and exercise extreme caution when approaching the affected section of the highway.

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N3: One of SA’s Busiest Routes

The N3 is a critical freight and commuter corridor, linking Durban with Gauteng. Any major disruption has a ripple effect on both logistics and commuter traffic. Thursday’s accident highlights once again the need for vigilance, road safety, and driver awareness on South Africa’s busiest highways.