18 Dead, 11 Injured in Two Separate Incidents with More Inclement Weather on the Way

Photo credit: Department of Transport

Emergency personnel are urging motorists to exercise caution while navigating through rainy conditions. This call to action follows a tragic incident where 18 individuals lost their lives on Monday night, 6 January 2025, with an additional 11 people injured on Tuesday, 7 January 2025.

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On Tuesday morning, a severe collision between a taxi and a bakkie occurred on the Madadeni (P483) Road, just past the Newcastle Municipal Dumpsite, leading to the injury of 11 individuals.

Supplied by: Magenta EMS
Supplied by: Magenta EMS
Supplied by: Magenta EMS

Charles Steyn from Magenta Emergency Medical Services reported that the incident took place shortly after 8am following a distress call for paramedics. He elaborated, “The taxi was heading towards Newcastle from Madadeni, while the bakkie was heading towards Madadeni from Newcastle, when they collided. Five people from the taxi were injured, while six occupants of the bakkie were injured. Two of the injuries were serious, while the others were moderate. While the cause of the collision is still to be determined, the current wet road conditions played a role.”

Although emergency personnel from various paramedic services managed the scene, this collision was relatively minor compared to a catastrophic multi-vehicle crash on the N3 between Van Reenen and Tugela Plaza, which claimed 18 lives.

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), this fatal crash occurred under rainy and misty conditions on Monday evening at approximately 8:30pm. The accident involved a truck, a minibus, and a light motor vehicle, leading to the tragic death of 13 adults and five children. Miraculously, a baby survived, however, with serious injuries.

Crash investigators from the RTMC are currently piecing together the exact cause of the crash. However, the RTMC noted that members of the National Traffic Police and the South African Police Service worked through the night to clear the scene and assist affected road users. The road was reopened this morning after nearly 10 hours of intensive effort.

In light of these events, where numerous individuals were either injured or killed, the RTMC pointed out that the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings for severe weather across parts of the country. Motorists are now advised to reduce speed, increase following distance, and keep their lights on. “Drivers are also advised to avoid nighttime travel as evidence has shown that this is the time at which most fatal crashes happen,” noted the RTMC in a statement.

These weather warnings include several towns, underscoring the necessity for heightened caution among drivers. SAWS forecasts disruptive rain in the following areas:

  • Newcastle
  • Ladysmith
  • Utrecht
  • Dundee
  • Eshowe
  • Greytown
  • Dannhauser
  • Vryheid
  • Richards Bay
  • Paulpietersburg
  • Hlabisa
  • Hhluhluwe
  • Jozini
  • Nongoma
  • Pongola
  • Ulundi
  • Pomeroy
  • Nkandla

Furthermore, SAWS has warned that such disruptive rains could result in flooding of roads, bridges, and settlements, damage to property and infrastructure, and cause poor driving conditions along with traffic disruptions. Notably, parts of Madadeni saw flooding on Monday afternoon, 6 January 2025, after the afternoon storms, showcasing the need to be cautious.

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Given the severe threats to road safety posed by the inclement weather, it is imperative for the public to prioritise safety while traveling.

With motorists being advised to drive cautiously, what are your thoughts on these developments? Please share your views in the comment section below.

Comments 1

  1. Phiwokuhle says:

    It’s heart breaking.these accident are happening cos of reckless driving and unnecessary speeding,hope the people involved get better soon and we Thank God no Life was lost.

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