Six people died in a horrific crash involving two trucks and a bakkie on the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, 27 October.

The collision occurred shortly before 13:00 between Sand River and Pyramids Hotel, prompting authorities to close the highway in both directions.

SIX KILLED IN N3 CRASH

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said preliminary investigations indicate that a truck travelling towards Durban lost control and crashed head-on into a double-cab bakkie.

The truck then sideswiped another heavy vehicle travelling northbound.

RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said the bakkie was allegedly carrying workers in the back at the time of the crash.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed the death toll and extended condolences to the victims’ families.

Investigators are working to establish what caused the collision.

BREAKING NEWS | The N3 is closed at Van Reenen’s Pass following a crash involving two trucks and a bakkie that claimed six lives in KwaZulu-Natal. Motorists are urged to exercise caution as emergency teams respond. pic.twitter.com/c3RdQd4svK

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 27, 2026
N3 CLOSURE CAUSES MAJOR DELAYS

N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) shut down Van Reenen’s Pass as emergency crews and recovery teams attended to the scene.

N3TC chief operating officer Thania Dhoogra urged motorists to postpone their journeys.

“If possible, road users are advised to delay travel to Van Reenen Pass until further notice,” she said.

Traffic officials warned motorists to expect significant delays while teams cleared the wreckage.

Authorities have not confirmed when the highway will reopen.

Motorists can follow @N3Route on X or contact the N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 for updates.