Eight people, including seven school children, died in a devastating accident on the N2 near Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal, this morning.
The accident has led to the closure of the highway in both directions as emergency services respond to the scene.
Seven Children Died In Horrific N2 Accident
IOL reported that the incident involved a Toyota Avanza transporting the children, which collided head-on with a truck travelling in the opposite direction. Tragically, the driver of the Avanza is believed to have also lost his life in the crash.
Samantha Meyrick, a spokesperson for IPSS Medical Rescue, described the scene as “total carnage.”
She said:
“There was a horrific head-on collision between a vehicle carrying children and a truck.”
Eight fatalities have been confirmed so far, seven of them being high school students. The truck driver, who survived the crash, was critically injured and is currently receiving medical attention.
Rescue teams, including SAPS Search and Rescue, are still on the scene, working to ensure all victims are accounted for.
KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC of Transport, Siboniso Duma, visited the crash site to assess the situation and offer support to the grieving families. This tragic event follows a string of fatal accidents in the region, raising concerns about road safety in the province.
This comes after other recent incidents in the area, including a fatal crash in Durban’s CBD and a deadly head-on collision on the R102, where several lives were also lost.
Road users are advised to avoid the N2 until further notice as investigations continue.
Tears Over The Crash
The accident elicited agony.
Thabiso:
“Very very very dangerous road that one. Especially that Mandeni stretch.”
Mpumi:
“I always ask myself at what speed must have been the driver travelling at for a car to look like that. Condolences to the families of the little ones 💔”
Kay:
“This is beyond heartbreaking.”
Chale:
“So sad indeed,My prayers to the families of the deceased,May the Good LORD console then in this predicament😭”