Durban: A family of four was killed in a horror crash on the N2 highway near Zinkwazi on Wednesday evening.
According to Paul Herbst from IPSS Medical Rescue, the accident took place on the N2 north bound, between Zinkwazi and Tugela when four light motor vehicles and a truck collided.
“On arrival of advanced life support paramedics, they were met with absolute carnage,” Herbst said.
“Unfortunately a family of four, reportedly on their way to vacation, were killed while two more patients sustained moderate injuries. Paramedics declared the family dead on arrival.”
Herbst said other drivers were lucky to escape with no injuries.
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said a case of culpable homicide was opened for investigation at New Ark police station for investigation.
“It is alleged that on 22 December 2021 at midnight, a vehicle lost control along the N2 north bound between Zinkwazi and Tugela and collided with a truck on the opposite carriage way. Four occupants in the vehicle were declared dead at the scene. The truck driver sustained minor injuries. The deceased have not yet been identified.”
This week the N3 Toll Route, a key transport node linking the Durban Harbour in KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng province, said an alarming number of serious road crashes had been recorded on the road since the start of the festive season.
It expressed grave concern at the severity of the crashes and the number of fatalities recorded in single vehicle crashes to date.
Initial reports indicate that drivers are regularly exceeding the speed limits along most parts of the route and are not reducing speed when roads are wet or visibility is poor.
“Currently, there is little evidence of any patience on the road, and it seems that drivers’ frustrations are aggravated by the long delays caused by the serious road crashes,” said Miles le Roux, transport engineer at the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) which maintains the route.
“Please slow down and take it easy on the road. Remember, at high speeds even the slightest distraction may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.”
IOL