BREAKING: Eight people perish in N3 highway crash near Van Reenen’s Pass

Eight people have been confirmed dead following a tragic collision between a minibus taxi and a truck on the N3 highway between Van Reenen’s Pass and Montrose in the Free State. The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of the morning, causing a complete shutdown of that section of the major national route.Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson Sipho Towa said the crash resulted in multiple fatalities at the scene, with several other passengers sustaining serious injuries. “Emergency teams responded swiftly, but unfortunately, eight people were declared dead on the scene. The affected part of the N3 has been temporarily closed to allow rescue and clean-up operations,” Towa said.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the collision, though early indications suggest that poor visibility and possible driver fatigue may have played a role. Traffic officials have urged motorists traveling between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State to use alternative routes until the scene has been cleared.

The N3 remains one of South Africa’s busiest transport corridors, linking Durban’s port to Johannesburg. Road safety experts have repeatedly called for stricter monitoring of long-distance trucks and taxis that frequently use the route, especially during high-traffic periods.Witnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation as paramedics and firefighters worked tirelessly to extract trapped passengers from the wreckage. The injured have since been transported to nearby hospitals in Harrismith and Ladysmith for urgent medical care.

Police say the identities of the deceased will be released once their families have been notified. A case of culpable homicide has been opened.Motorists are being reminded to exercise extreme caution, especially on mountain passes and during night-time travel.

Like, comment, share, and follow for more updates on this developing story and other road safety news across South Africa.