Durban - Four trucks and two vehicles involved in separate accidents on the N3 near the Shongweni turn-off this morning caused traffic delays on all routes and left one truck driver dead.
Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesman, Zinhle Mngomezulu, said one accident was Pietermaritzburg bound and only the fast lane was operational.
“Two trucks were involved in the accident and one landed on the bank off the bridge and the other is hanging over the bridge, “ she said.
Mngomezulu said one driver was severely injured and had to be hoisted by the search and rescue team.
“While rescue personnel were attending to the one accident another happened across the road, Durban bound,” said Mngomezulu.
She said only the truckers lane was closed in the Durban bound accident.
“Its unclear how the accident happened but one truck driver died while passengers and drivers of the vehicles and truck sustained minor injuries.”
Mngomezulu confirmed congestion on the M13 was because of peak hour traffic and due to people using this alternative route because of the accidents.
On Twitter, frustrated drivers posted pictures of impatient motorists driving up the Shongweni off ramp causing further traffic chaos.
Provincial police spokesman, Captain Thulani Zwane, said the Maritzburg-bound accident happened at about 5am.
“The man who was severely injured had been driving the truck that fell onto the bank off the bridge,” he said.
Police are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving for the Pietermaritzburg bound accident.
Nick Holmes, Rescue Tech spokesman, said one of the injured had to be hoisted using a 12m vertical haul.
According to Rob Byrne of @TrafficSA there were substantial delays between N3 Keyridge and Fields Hill.
Police are now investigating a case of culpable homicide for the Durban bound accident.
Daily News