The N3 highway at Van Reenen’s Pass, typically a bustling corridor of commerce and travel, was the scene of a harrowing crash, on Saturday.
N3 Van Reenen’s Pass crash leaves seven dead
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A horrific crash involving eight vehicles, including three taxis, a truck, and four cars, left the highway resembling a scene from a disaster movie rather than the vital transport link it usually is.
Emergency services rushed to the scene but sadly, seven people had already lost their lives in this catastrophic event.
The southbound carriageway of Van Reenen’s Pass was eventually reopened, but the scars of the incident were evident, both on the tarmac and in the hearts of those who witnessed the horror.
When this article was published, the northbound carriageway remained closed as emergency personnel continued their diligent work.
The aftermath of the accident brought the area to a standstill for more than three hours. Motorists were advised to approach the scene with caution and expect congestion and extensive delays.
This early on in the report, investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, and police have yet to state whether an inquest docket has been opened to ascertain responsibility for the deadly accident.
In the broader context, road safety in South Africa, especially during the festive season, remains a critical concern.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) recently released provisional festive season road statistics.
While there has been a slight decline in road fatalities compared to last year, with 719 fatalities recorded in the first three weeks of the 2023/24 festive season, the number remains alarmingly high.
This is a developing story.