By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The N3 highway has been fully reopened in Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal after eight vehicles were involved in a crash
Eight vehicles (three taxis, one truck, and four light motor vehicles) were involved in the accident.
Operations manager of the N3 Toll Concession Thania Dhoogra says motorists should however be prepared for slow-moving traffic, congestion and possible delays.
“The N3 Toll Route is expected to remain busy”.
“More than 1500 vehicles per hour are currently traveling southbound (towards KwaZulu Natal), with approximately 800 vehicles per hour heading northbound (towards Gauteng)” said Dhoogra.
She urged motorists to continue to approach the Van Reenen pass area with caution.
“Please share the road responsibly. Plan ahead, stay informed and adopt a defensive driving style to ensure your safety, and that of your passengers and fellow road users”.
07h07 23/12 #N3Traffic: #N3CrashUpdate: N3 6X 47.6 S #DbnBound Near #VanReenenTown: Multiple vehicles Involved. The entire road is opened. Thank you for your patience. 01891 (18)
— N3 Toll Concession (@N3Route) December 23, 2023
Meanwhile MEC for Community Safety and Security in Mpumalanga Vusi Shongwe has called for calm and cautious driving amid rising fatal car accidents in the province.
This as two separate car accidents claimed nine lives in the province on Saturday morning.
The first crash happened when a sedan and sport utility vehicle (SUV) collided head-on on the N4 toll road near Vosman.
The deceased includes both drivers and one passenger.
The victims were declared dead at the scene.
In another crash, six people died on the scene when a mini-bus they were traveling in overturned on R38 Road between Barberton and Manzana early on Saturday.
The minibus was transporting people from Johannesburg to Mozambique.
Shongwe says those who are traveling long distances must rest sufficiently because “fatigue kills”.