N3 Horror Crash: Three Killed As Bakkie Bursts Into Flames In Durban

Three people travelling in the back of a bakkie were killed in a devastating crash on the Durban-bound N3 in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday morning, leaving traffic gridlocked and emergency crews dealing with what was described as a scene of “total chaos”.

The accident happened just before the Shongweni off-ramp, with emergency services rushing to the scene shortly after 9am.

“Total Chaos” as Bakkie Engulfed in Flames on N3

ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said paramedics arrived at the scene at around 9.15am after receiving multiple emergency calls.

“Paramedics found a bakkie engulfed in flames. Immediately, the eThekwini fire department was dispatched,” Jamieson said.

According to initial assessments, a truck and a bakkie collided on the Durban-bound carriageway. The impact caused the bakkie to crash into roadside barriers where construction workers were operating, before bursting into flames.

Jamieson said the truck then lost control, veering through the centre median, crossing the northbound lanes and plunging down an embankment.

Three Bakkie Occupants Killed, Workers and Truck Driver Injured

Emergency crews assessed multiple casualties at the scene. Jamieson confirmed that the three people riding in the back of the bakkie sustained fatal injuries.

“Unfortunately, the three occupants of the bakkie sustained fatal injuries, and there was nothing paramedics could do for them. They were declared deceased on the scene,” he said.

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The truck driver sustained moderate injuries, while four construction workers suffered various injuries. All injured patients were stabilised at the scene by ALS Paramedics before being transported to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment.

Durban-Bound N3 Closed as Police Launch Investigation

The severity of the crash led to the complete closure of the Durban-bound N3, with motorists warned to expect lengthy delays.

“The N3 Durban Bound has been closed and will be for some time,” Jamieson said.

He added that the exact cause of the crash remains unclear. Police and officials from the Road Traffic Inspectorate were present at the scene and will conduct a full investigation into the events leading up to the collision.

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