Six Dead and Dozens Injured in Devastating Weekend Crashes Across KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal experienced a tragic and unusually high number of road incidents over the weekend, with 36 motor vehicle collisions reported from Friday, 14 November, to Sunday, 16 November 2025. KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service confirmed that these crashes resulted in six deaths and twenty-one injuries across the province.

Five Killed in Horror Head-On Collision on the N2

The worst incident occurred on Friday evening on the N2 near the Umzumbi bridge in Hibberdene. A catastrophic head-on collision between two light motor vehicles claimed the lives of five people.

Emergency teams arrived to find an extensive, complex scene requiring a multi-agency response. Paramedics treated five additional patients, including:

• Two with minor injuries

• Two with serious injuries

• One in critical condition

The N2 was closed for an extended period to allow for extrication, patient treatment, and investigation. SAPS, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, Fire and Rescue, and several ambulance services assisted on scene.

Serious Crashes Reported Earlier on Friday

Vryheid: R69/R618 Intersection Crash

At about 06:00, a collision at the R69 and R618 intersection near Vryheid involved a heavy truck and a light passenger vehicle. Both vehicles left the roadway.

Three occupants were treated:

• One minor injury

• Two serious injuries

SAPS attended the scene.

Empangeni: Three-Vehicle Collision

At approximately 17:30 on P535 Maholoholo near Empangeni, a crash involving a bakkie, a car, and a light delivery vehicle resulted in injuries to four occupants.

Two patients with minor injuries were taken to hospital. One lane was closed to clear the scene.

N3 Truck Collision Claims Life on Sunday Morning

A fatal head-on collision between two heavy motor vehicles near Tweedie, Lions River, occurred around 05:30 on Sunday.

Authorities reported that a northbound truck appeared to lose control and crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with another truck.

The crash resulted in:

• One fatality

• Two patients with minor injuries

• One patient seriously injured

• One patient who deteriorated into critical condition on scene

The N3 was severely affected for an extended period while emergency services completed rescue operations and vehicle recovery.

Other Significant Weekend Incidents

On Saturday, a collision at the corner of Smith Street and Biyela Street in Empangeni involving a bakkie and a car resulted in one minor and one serious injury.

KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service also responded to 27 additional collisions across Vryheid, Empangeni, Newcastle, the South Coast, Ulundi, and Pietermaritzburg. Fortunately, these incidents did not result in injuries.

Condolences and Ongoing Road Safety Appeal

KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service expressed condolences to the families of those who died and extended well wishes to injured patients recovering in hospital.

Motorists are urged to exercise caution as the province continues to experience high traffic volumes and increased collision rates ahead of the festive season.