Zimbabwean truck driver arrested after U-turn on N3 highway led to vehicle pile-up

A Zimbabwean truck driver was arrested after he allegedly made an illegal U-turn on the N3 highway, causing a multiple vehicle-pile-up, leaving 23 people injured.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport said the horror crash occurred at around 3am on Thursday.

The N3 Toll Concession reported that the crash happened near the Tugela Plaza.

"Emergency services are currently attending to the scene. Traffic is being diverted around the scene of the crash and no extensive traffic delays are currently being reported in the vicinity of the crash," the N3TC said.

KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, said the truck and a bus were both travelling on the south-bound roadway.

"A Zimbabwean truck driver, who made an illegal U-turn, caused this major accident, which resulted in 25 passengers sustaining injuries," the MEC said.

He said another 29 people were unhurt.

Newly appointed KZN DOT Head of Department, Zibusiso Dlamini, is working with both Road Traffic Inspectorate and Operation Shanela officers in an investigation into whether the driver has the necessary paperwork to work in South Africa.

Ahead of the Easter travel period, MEC Duma said operations have been intensified.

"We will be intensifying our #NenzaniLaEzweni operation on the N3 and N2 focusing on trucks. We have also resolved to sustain our operations at more than 17 weighbridges across all corners of the province," Duma said.

IOL