KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Ms Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni has learnt with shock and sadness of the tragic accident which occurred in the early hours of this morning (28 May 2022) on the N3 between Peter Brown and Sanctuary Road.

According to preliminary reports a truck had initially overturned on the N3.

As it was still awaiting to be removed from the freeway and as vehicles were travelling trying to divert from the overturned truck, a Toyota Quantum minibus went under the truck causing a chain reaction, which resulted in a nine car pile up.

The minibus with 17 occupants was entrapped and caught alight with 16 passengers being burnt beyond recognion. One seven year old boy in the minibus survived after his mother who was trapped in the minibus was able to squeeze him through the window and handed him over to an Road Traffic Inspectorate officer who had been attending to the truck that had overturned.

The boy was rushed to Northdale hospital where he is currently being treated for internal injuries. A RTI vehicle that the officer was travelling in was also burnt. However the officer who saved the boy was unharmed.

It is believed that the Toyota Quantum minibus was traveling from Gauteng to Harding on the southern KwaZulu-Natal. Among the deceased included seven females and nine males who were all passengers in the minibus.

MEC Nkonyeni has expressed her heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

"We am deeply saddened by this gruesome accident which has claimed so many lives. My heartfelt condolences to the families of all the victims I also wish those who sustained injuries a speedily recovery, said Nkonyeni.

Emergency personnel are still busy clearing the scene.