N3 Highway Near Pavilion Closed After Truck Overturns
Traffic came to a standstill on the N3 highway near the Pavilion Shopping Mall in Durban on Sunday morning after a major accident involving an overturned truck. The incident, which occurred between 6am and 7am, prompted authorities to close sections of the busy route as emergency teams worked tirelessly to clear the scene and ensure the safety of motorists.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, confirmed that a highly efficient team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) was immediately dispatched to manage the situation. The team, working closely with the Durban Metro Police, was tasked with controlling traffic flow, conducting assessments, and facilitating the removal of the truck.
“Our highly efficient team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate, working in collaboration with Durban Metro Police, is managing the traffic flow to minimize disruption,” said Duma. He assured motorists that the authorities were doing everything possible to restore normal traffic operations as soon as possible.
Although the cause of the accident has not yet been confirmed, reports indicate that the truck lost control before overturning, blocking multiple lanes. Traffic heading toward Durban was heavily affected, with delays stretching for several kilometers. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes or delay their travel until the highway was cleared.
The MEC further highlighted the ongoing collaboration between provincial and national transport departments to address the increasing number of road freight-related accidents in South Africa. “Importantly, we are working with the National Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, to fast-track the transition of cargo from road to rail,” Duma added. He emphasized that moving more freight by rail would significantly reduce heavy truck traffic on national highways, improving road safety and minimizing damage to infrastructure.
The N3 highway remains one of South Africa’s busiest transport corridors, connecting the economic hubs of Johannesburg and Durban. The road carries thousands of trucks daily, making it a vital route for trade and logistics. However, this heavy usage has also made it a hotspot for accidents involving large vehicles, often resulting in significant delays, injuries, and sometimes fatalities.
Earlier this month, another serious incident on the same highway left 18 schoolchildren injured when their transport vehicle was involved in a collision. In addition, a recent bus crash along the N1 in Limpopo claimed 40 lives, sparking renewed calls for stricter road safety enforcement and improved public transport infrastructure.
Authorities have urged motorists to remain patient and exercise caution when traveling on major highways. The Department of Transport has reiterated its commitment to maintaining road safety and implementing measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
By midday, clean-up operations were still underway near the Pavilion area, with the RTI and Metro Police coordinating efforts to reopen the road. Motorists are reminded to stay alert for updates and obey all road signage and instructions from law enforcement officers while driving through affected routes.