Three Killed in N3 KwaZulu-Natal Crash After Tyre Burst Sends Car Into Fuel Tanker

At least three people lost their lives in a devastating road accident on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday after a vehicle suffered a tyre failure and collided head-on with a fuel tanker.

The crash occurred near the Frere Interchange between Estcourt and the Tugela River at around 11am, according to Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesperson Sindi Msimang.

“The light motor vehicle had a tyre burst while travelling on the southbound,” Msimang said. “It [the car] capsized and landed on the northbound … that is where it collided head-on with the tanker.”

N3 Traffic Disruptions After Fuel Tanker Collision

Following the collision, the Johannesburg-bound lanes were shut down as emergency services worked to secure the scene. Traffic officers diverted vehicles onto the centre median, resulting in lengthy delays for motorists travelling north.

The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) said emergency crews had to exercise extreme caution due to the nature of the tanker’s cargo. “The severity of the crash and the risks associated with the highly flammable cargo require even more stringent control on scene than usual,” the operator said.

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Emergency responders confirmed that a fourth occupant was critically injured in the crash. IPSS Medical Rescue said the patient was stabilised at the scene before being taken to a nearby medical facility for further treatment.

“We urge motorists travelling today to do so with caution,” IPSS spokesperson Samantha Meyrick said.

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