11 dead, multiple injuries in KZN horror crash

Eleven people have died in a horrific crash in southern KwaZulu-Natal involving three trucks, a minibus taxi and a bakkie.

The tragedy unfolded at about 8.30am on Thursday between Ixopo and Highflats.

KwaZulu-Natal Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Robert McKenzie said earlier: “Tragically, nine people have suffered fatal injuries. Paramedics have treated 12 patients at the scene, many of them in a critical condition.”

The number of fatalities had increased to 11 by midday.

McKenzie said the road was still closed and “the scene is still active, with extrication ongoing.

“The exact cause of the crash is not known at this stage and is being investigated by police.”

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) confirmed 11 fatalities, saying preliminary information signalled that four vehicles were travelling in the same direction.

A petrol tanker came to a stop for a construction vehicle. Motorists in a GWM and a Quantum were travelling behind the tanker. A tipper truck that was travelling behind the Quantum collided into it, which caused the chain reaction, said the RTMC. 

“The Quantum entered the oncoming lanes' traffic and the other tipper truck collided with the Quantum.”

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