The scene of the pile-up accident inside the Waterval Boven tunnel on the N4 has been cleared and traffic has resumed.

According to TRAC N4, recovery operations were completed by emergency services and lanes have been opened, following the accident.

The crash occurred earlier today, 19 February and involved two heavy trucks, two light motor vehicles and a City Bug minibus, bringing traffic between Middelburg and Nelspruit to a standstill for several hours.

Early reports indicated that nine people sustained minor injuries, three people were seriously injured and one person was in a life-threatening condition.

A reported fatality has not yet been confirmed by official sources.

Middelburg motorists are advised to proceed with caution as traffic flow returns to normal.

Updates will follow once further information is confirmed.

This is a developing story.