N3 Highway Closed After Truck Crash Involving 20 Vehicles Near Pietermaritzburg

Traffic on the busy N3 highway came to a standstill on Wednesday after a devastating multi-vehicle pile-up outside Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Both the northbound and southbound lanes near Peace Valley have been closed, with motorists urged to seek alternative routes.

According to the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), the crash occurred when a truck lost control and collided with vehicles traveling in both directions.

Truck Loses Control, Collides With 20 Vehicles

RTI spokesperson Sindi Msimang confirmed that at least 20 vehicles were involved in the chain-reaction crash.

“This accident is caused by a truck which lost control and collided with vehicles on the northbound and landed on the southbound and also collided with vehicles on that bound too. The total number of vehicles is about 20,” Msimang explained.

Emergency crews, including paramedics and recovery teams, are still working on the scene. The extent of injuries has not yet been confirmed.

Authorities have advised motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes while cleanup and rescue operations continue.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: eThekwini Taxi Strike: Santaco’s Indefinite Shutdown Leaves Commuters Stranded

“We do not have the state of the injuries at the moment because the emergency services are still working on the scene. We just want to advise the road users to divert on eShongweni should they come towards Pietermaritzburg. If they are going towards Durban, they can use Cato Ridge as an alternative route,” said Msimang.

Traffic officials have warned that delays are expected until the roadway is cleared.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky