PICS: Truck brake failure causes multi-vehicle crash on N3 near Marianhill toll
Several people were injured after a multiple vehicle and truck crash occurred near Marianhill Toll Plaza.
Image: Supplied/ALS Paramedics
A serious multi-vehicle accident occurred just before the Marianhill Toll Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, involving three trucks, a minibus taxi and an SUV on Thursday.
It is believed that the crash was caused by brake failure on one of the trucks, according to a preliminary report from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI).
According to a statement issued by the MEC, the accident occurred about 200 metres before the toll plaza and involved three trucks, a minibus taxi, and an SUV.
KwaZulu-Natal’s Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, says it is a relief that no lives were lost.
“Fortunately, there was no loss of life,” Duma said. “A total of twelve people sustained injuries. These include eleven occupants of a minibus taxi, including the driver. The truck driver who caused the accident sustained minor injuries.”
Several people were injured after a multiple-vehicle and truck crash occurred near Marianhill Toll Plaza.
Image: ALS Paramedics/Supplied
A preliminary report from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) indicates the crash was caused by a brake failure on one of the trucks as it drove past the fountain next to the freeway. The driver was reportedly unable to use the arrestor bed “due to activities around the area”.
The MEC said the truck swerved left onto the embankment, climbing the bank before rolling into an SUV that had been parked in the emergency lane. The force of the crash pushed the truck into a passing taxi and into another two trucks.
Only the emergency lane has been reopened, while the slow lane remains closed as authorities continue recovery operations.
Duma said that despite being on their way to the final Provincial Legislature sitting of the year, the department remains focused on strengthening festive-season road safety.
Several people were injured after a multiple vehicle and truck crash occurred near Marianhill Toll Plaza.
Image: Supplied/ALS Paramedics
He highlighted the recent deployment of 197 newly trained and registered traffic officers, which has “significantly strengthened law enforcement capacity” along heavily congested construction zones between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
Upgrades in the Key-Ridge, Hammarsdale and Pietermaritzburg interchange areas are underway to improve safety in partnership with SANRAL, including better speed control and signage in construction zones.
Duma said this move aims to reduce the number of accidents.
The MEC added that major infrastructure changes, especially between Ashburton and the N3/N2 Interchange, are helping realign dangerous curves, rebuild interchanges and resurface roadways to reduce crash risks.
IOL