Durban – The aftermath of yesterday's (Saturday, December 13) horrific multi-vehicle collision on the M4, north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, has taken a grimmer turn, with the death toll now standing at two. The crash, involving a truck, a fully loaded minibus taxi, and a bakkie, occurred on the N2 northbound at the M4, just before the uMhlanga off-ramp, causing major traffic disruptions that continue to affect the region.
Emergency services initially responded to a chaotic scene where one woman, believed to be a nurse, was confirmed dead at the scene. Two other individuals were critically injured and rushed to nearby hospitals.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson has now confirmed that one of those critically injured has succumbed to their injuries. "Fourteen other patients sustained minor injuries and were assessed and treated at the scene by multiple ambulance services. One person remains critical," he stated.
The M4 remains closed between the M41 and the uMhlanga off-ramp, north of Durban. The roadway has been completely closed to traffic in both directions as emergency providers worked to stabilise the injured and clear the wreckage.
Jamieson had earlier described the challenging conditions faced by the emergency responders. "Our teams worked with other emergency services to treat the injured and manage the scene. The accident was spread over several meters across the roadway and the area will remain closed for some time."
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. Emergency services and law enforcement officers are on the scene, conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.
The accident has caused significant traffic congestion in the area. Motorists are still advised to seek alternative routes.
Meanwhile, adding to the traffic woes, another accident had been reported at the Sibaya circle.
The tragic incident on the M4 is part of a grim day on South Africa's roads. Earlier on Saturday, twelve people lost their lives in two separate head-on collisions on the N12 in Gauteng and the Northern Cape. In the Northern Cape, seven people, including a baby, were killed in a collision between an SUV and a light delivery vehicle on the N12 between Kimberly and Warrenton. In Fochville, Gauteng, five people died when two vehicles collided head-on; three died at the scene, and two later in hospital.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is investigating both N12 crashes. "The exact cause of these crashes are still unknown at this stage," said RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane. "The RTMC would like to reiterate its call for drivers to express extreme caution on the roads and also reduce speed and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol."
The authorities are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution on the roads, especially during the busy holiday season, and to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent further tragedies.
Follow Us on Twitter
