By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has announced the reopening of the N3 between Hilton and Cedara after it was closed for hours due to a multi-vehicle crash that claimed five lives.
The fatal accident happened on Monday, April 10, on the last day of the Easter long weekend around 18:00. The N3 North (Durban-bound) also had to be closed due to recoveries and provision of access by emergency services to the accident scene.
Transport MEC Sipho Hlomuka said various government response emergencies had worked “tirelessly to ensure the reopening of the freeway”.
“The road was opened after the recovery of all the five bodies of the deceased, assisting survivors on the scene and transporting critical patients to healthcare facilities for urgent medical attention,” he said.
Teams also worked hard to remove the wreckage, Hlomuka added.
“We acknowledge the magnitude of this horrific accident and the trauma felt by all those involved is unbearable. We once again wish to send our deepest condolences to all the affected families and wish a speedy recovery to all those who sustained injuries,” Hlomuka said.
“Some motorists have been stuck for hours and lost a lot of time in traffic. We, however, wish to salute all the emergency response teams for a job well done under such unfavourable weather conditions,” he added.
“As provincial authorities, we are hugely disappointed with the fatal crashes recorded during this Easter weekend. We appeal to those who will be continuing with their journey, and those who are still going to embark [on theirs], to be on high alert and ensure maximum adherence to traffic regulations.”
Those who still wish to locate their family members or get a status update on the road are urged to contact the emergency contact centre on 033 940 8484.
The department has assured KZN commuters that all roads in the province are back in use. However, the truckers’ lane is closed at Peter Brown Drive on the northbound road due to diesel spillage – two lanes are operational.