PICS: Eight killed in horror crash on N3 between Van Reenen’s Pass and Montrose
Several people have lost their lives in a collision on the N3 in the Free State.
Image: Road Incident Management Systems
Eight people have been killed in a horrific collision between a minibus taxi and a truck on the N3 highway between Van Reenen’s Pass and Montrose in the Free State.
Provincial police spokesperson, Captain Loraine Earle, told IOL on Thursday morning that the crash scene was still active, with police and emergency services working on the site.
"What we can say at this stage is that there are multiple fatalities. Indications are that there are around eight fatalities but we will confirm the actual number in due course. The crash happened at around 5 am this morning, and the scene is still active," she said.
According to emergency officials, the accident caused major traffic disruptions along the busy route linking Johannesburg and Durban.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, but early reports indicate that the minibus taxi and a heavy-duty truck collided head-on, resulting in the multiple fatalities at the scene.
On behalf of the Road Traffic Inspectorate, Sindi Msimang, told SABC News that authorities are still piecing together what led to the tragedy.
Several people have lost their lives in a collision on the N3 in the Free State.
Image: Road Incident Management Systems
“At this stage, we can confirm that eight people have sadly lost their lives in the collision. The N3 remains partially closed as recovery operations continue. Motorists are urged to approach the area with caution or use alternative routes,” said Msimang.
Paramedics and rescue teams worked for several hours to free trapped passengers from the wreckage. The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals for further medical attention.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with speed, driver fatigue, and poor visibility among the possible contributing factors being considered.