CCTV footage has emerged showing the chain of events that led to a devastating multi-vehicle crash on the N3 Durban-bound carriageway near Shongweni, claiming three lives.
The video shows a bakkie travelling in the fast lane when another vehicle overtakes it on the left, squeezing past a vehicle in the centre lane. As the overtaking vehicle cuts back into the fast lane, it clips the bakkie, sending it careening out of control.
The bakkie veers across the centre median and collides head-on with an oncoming truck. Both vehicles burst into flames on impact. The truck jackknifes across the carriageway, narrowly missing other vehicles.
All three occupants of the bakkie died in the crash. Two were burnt beyond recognition, while a third was ejected and declared dead at the scene. The truck driver sustained only minor injuries.
CCTV footage has emerged showing the chain of events that led to a devastating multi-vehicle crash on the N3 Durban-bound carriageway near Shongweni, claiming three lives. pic.twitter.com/6RFjDxFhNC
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Five construction workers from HWBHO who were on duty nearby were struck by displaced concrete barriers. Their condition has not been disclosed.
The crash occurred near a stretch where authorities had recently reported a decline in fatal accidents. The Durban-bound lanes remained closed for hours as emergency services extinguished the blaze and cleared debris.
Authorities have described the incident as a brutal reminder of how a single reckless manoeuvre can result in unimaginable tragedy. Investigations are ongoing.
