Easter Monday horror multi-vehicle crash on N3 near Hilton in KZN, South Africa
Easter Monday horror multi-vehicle crash on N3 near Hilton in KZN, South Africa. Photo: Twitter video screenshot

Home » At least 5 die in Easter Monday horror multi-vehicle crash on N3 near Hilton in KZN, South Africa

At least 5 die in Easter Monday horror multi-vehicle crash on N3 near Hilton in KZN, South Africa

At least five people have tragically lost their lives, and many have been injured, in a horror smash on the N3 highway near Hilton, in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Midlands, South Africa. Video footage on social media (watch below) shows black smoke billowing from the crash site, with witnesses holding their heads in disbelief at the […]

By Jenni Baxter
11-04-23 10:02
in Eish!
Easter Monday horror multi-vehicle crash on N3 near Hilton in KZN, South Africa
Easter Monday horror multi-vehicle crash on N3 near Hilton in KZN, South Africa. Photo: Twitter video screenshot

At least five people have tragically lost their lives, and many have been injured, in a horror smash on the N3 highway near Hilton, in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Midlands, South Africa. Video footage on social media (watch below) shows black smoke billowing from the crash site, with witnesses holding their heads in disbelief at the shocking accident scene.

KZN Transport official Kwanele Ncalane reports that at least five trucks, eight minibus taxis and 22 light motor vehicles were involved in the mass collision. Some reports put the figure even higher, up to 90. (Last month, a truck caused a 50-vehicle pile-up near Umhlanga.)

Both the northbound (between Hilton and Cedara, near Pietermaritzburg) and southbound lanes have been affected as emergency services make their way to the scene. The highway is currently closed, with inclement weather and misty conditions creating poor visibility.

Motorists, particularly long-distance trucks, are urged to avoid the area, and postpone travel arrangements where possible. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings about more inclement weather overnight and during the next few days.

Thousands of holiday makers were making their way home today after the long Easter Weekend, and have been caught up in the traffic jam caused by the multi-vehicle pile up. Motorists are asked to please give way to EMS vehicles.

The cause of the accident has not yet been determined, although it’s believed weather was a factor. SAPeople follower Brenda H said: “I was driving towards Durban when I hit this hailstorm and fog, it was terrible, I couldn’t see a thing. Luckily we managed to get to Durban before the accident happened. My condolences to all those involved.”

Umgeni Municipality has issued the following important notices:

HILTON TOWN HALL is available for people (motorists and passengers) who need somewhere to stay tonight. The Hall can be located here:
17-23 Hilton Ave, Leonard, Hilton

UMngeni Municipality will assist as needed.

Mattresses and blankets will be provided. A hot meal will be provided.

IMPORTANT
*Any residents able to assist please contact*_ Cllr Pam Passmoor (ward 7 – 082 498 9712), Cllr Kate Janse Van Rensberg (ward 6 – 082 716 0078)

*Please circulate so that this can make it to road users.*

uMngeni Mayor CJ Pappas said they will also try to communicate on the ground.

*Contacts for uMngeni Municipality*
033 239 9276 (uMngeni Control room)
Mr Sipho Ndlovu (Disaster Officer – 073 007 3056)

Tags: accident car crash Easter Monday Hilton Hilton crash KZN Multi-car pile-up N3 N3 accident