Twenty five people were injured in a multiple vehicle crash on the N3 highway near Tugela Plaza on Thursday morning. A truck driver has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Image: KZN Transport Department
A Zimbabwean truck driver has been arrested after he allegedly made an illegal U-turn which led to the multiple vehicle crash on the N3 Toll Route near Tugela Plaza on Thursday morning.
This is according to a statement released by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma.
He said that preliminary findings from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) indicated that a bus and two trucks were involved in the collision, which occurred at about 3am after the truck driver allegedly made an illegal U-turn.
Duma said a total of 53 passengers were on board the bus and about 25 sustained injuries and were transported to Ladysmith Provincial Hospital for treatment. He added that 29 passengers were not injured.
It is alleged that the truck driver made an illegal U-turn which resulted in the crash.
Image: KZN Transport department
He further stated that the truck driver had been arrested after allegedly admitting to making the U-turn.
“When questioned about his illegal U-turn by a firm and no-nonsense RTI Ladysmith team, a Zimbabwean truck driver pleaded for mercy,” the statement said.
The MEC said the RTI, in collaboration with SAPS and the Department of Home Affairs immigration officials, had launched an investigation into the driver’s documentation status, as well as well whether the vehicle owner had the necessary documents for the vehicle.
Duma said authorities are intensifying efforts under the #NenzaniLaEzweni operation, which targets heavy motor vehicles on major routes including the N3 and N2.
He said more than 25 undocumented foreign national truck drivers had been arrested since the operation began, with some deported after serving sentences, while others remained in custody.
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