Mtubatuba N2 Crash: Three Dead, Looting Adds Chaos
Mtubatuba – A stretch of the N2 near the Umfolozi Bridge was transformed into a disaster zone on Sunday evening after a devastating collision involving multiple vehicles left three people dead and several others seriously injured.
The pile-up, which occurred just south of Mtubatuba, involved three trucks and three light vehicles. Emergency workers arriving at the scene were met with twisted metal, overturned trailers, and debris scattered across both sides of the highway.
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Fatalities and Rescue Efforts
Two truck drivers died instantly, according to paramedics at the scene. A third body was also discovered, though authorities have not confirmed from which vehicle the victim came. Several occupants were trapped, prompting a multi-agency rescue effort in the fading daylight.
Fastcare EMS confirmed that two critically injured people were stabilised on scene before being rushed to the hospital. Another person with less severe injuries was treated roadside.
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Looting Adds to Emergency Strain
As emergency responders tried to manage the unfolding tragedy, looting broke out, with individuals seen climbing into damaged trucks and carrying off goods. This forced police to divert attention from rescue efforts to crowd control, further stretching already-thin resources.
Traffic Disruptions and Ongoing Investigation
Traffic in both directions of the N2 came to a complete standstill. Motorists were redirected through Mtubatuba town, Riverview, Bhoboza, and Umfolozi, resulting in heavy congestion along the alternate routes. By midnight, the road remained closed, with recovery teams and police working under pressure to clear the wreckage and maintain order.
The cause of the accident has not yet been confirmed, although preliminary reports suggest that a loss of control by one of the trucks may have triggered the chain reaction. Road safety investigators are expected to conduct a full assessment once the scene is stabilised.
Authorities have issued an urgent appeal to road users to avoid the N2 stretch between Mtubatuba and Umfolozi until further notice. Alternate routes such as the R618 and R66 are being recommended.
KZN Daily News will continue to provide updates as more details emerge.
