How Gonyet Driver Crashed Into 6 Trucks – Eduzim News

Zimbabwean Truck Driver Dies in Multi-Vehicle Collision on N3, Marrianhill Toll Plaza

By A Correspondent | Durban, South Africa – Tragedy struck at the Marrianhill Toll Plaza on the N3 highway in KwaZulu-Natal, Friday evening, after a horrific multi-vehicle collision involving six trucks and five cars left one person dead and over 15 others critically injured.

The accident, which occurred in wet and rainy conditions, created a devastating scene of destruction as emergency responders raced to rescue victims trapped in mangled vehicles.

Scene of Carnage

Eyewitness images from the accident paint a harrowing picture of the aftermath. In the first frame, the overturned body of a large truck stands tall, twisted and crushed beyond recognition, its metal body mangled into sharp, jagged wreckage. Around it, shattered glass, vehicle debris, and injured survivors scatter the rain-slicked road, illuminated only by the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. The heavy truck, believed to have caused the initial impact, remains the center of the destruction.

In another image, a light motor vehicle lies flattened on its side, its structure crumpled to an unrecognizable heap of steel. The roof is almost entirely compressed into the chassis, underscoring the force of the collision. Nearby, rescue workers and paramedics can be seen using advanced tools to extract victims pinned inside.

A third image shows a chaotic scene on the N3 highway, lined with several damaged vehicles, including large trucks, surrounded by emergency vehicles. Traffic is at a standstill while rescue operations continue under worsening weather conditions.

Official Statement and Investigation

Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements, confirmed that the collision involved a Zimbabwean heavy motor vehicle, which collided with six trucks and five cars in a chain reaction.

“The driver of the Zimbabwean truck tragically died on the scene. Over 10 people sustained critical injuries, and paramedics worked tirelessly to stabilize and transport them to hospitals in Durban,” said Sibiya.

He urged motorists to avoid the Marrianhill Toll Plaza area, as clean-up and investigations by Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officials continued through the night.

Emergency Response Efforts

Paramedics described the scene as one of “chaos and carnage”. Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for ALS Paramedics Medical Services, praised the swift efforts of emergency responders, including advanced life support teams and the eThekwini Fire Department, who used heavy machinery to free victims trapped in the twisted wreckage.

“Despite best efforts, one truck driver was found severely entrapped in the wreckage and succumbed to his injuries on site,” Jamieson confirmed. “Multiple people sustained varying injuries, and ambulances transported them to various hospitals for urgent care.”

Traffic Impact and Safety Concerns

The N3 highway was closed for several hours, causing significant traffic disruptions as emergency personnel worked tirelessly to clear the scene. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, especially during adverse weather conditions, and delay trips where possible.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting poor visibility and wet road conditions as potential contributing factors.

End of Report.

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