A collision between a truck and a bakkie on the N2 near Pongola, claimed 21 lives on Friday.

KZN Emergency Medical Services worked tirelessly to extricate bodies from the wreckage of the bakkie that was, according to Pongola Mayor Velephi Sikhosana, at the roadside when a truck ploughed into it.

Dashcam footage obtained by eNCA shows the truck attempting to overtake another truck, before it collides into the bakkie.

The death toll in the horror crash on the N2 highway in northern KwaZulu-Natal has risen to 21. 19 of the deceased are children, aged between 5 and 12 years. The accident happened near Pongola in the eMakhalathini area. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/DdTzZiDR7p

— eNCA (@eNCA) September 16, 2022

The children killed in the collision are aged between five and 12 years. One of them passed away after being rushed to iTshelejuba Hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, SA Trucker reports they received an audio clip in which the truck driver alleges he fled from traffic officials when he crashed into the bakkie.

Road Angels Traffic Info posted about protest action on the N2, of which the truck driver was reportedly part of.

Protest action between Itselijuba and Pongola at 2 different places on the N2. Avoid the area.
*Road Angels Traffic Info*@rsa_trucker @FatalMoves @MARIUSBROODRYK @NancyPalien1 @ecrtraffic @cpsadrian @marlize_harmse @currentupdate3 pic.twitter.com/2SV6W2ks2r

— Road Angels Traffic Info (@Road_angelsSA) September 16, 2022

The collision has shocked the community of Pongola and Sikhosana has urged motorists to drive with caution at all times to avoid such carnage.

“On behalf of uPhongolo Municipality, I send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the learners who lost their lives in the accident. We hope the affected families will find comfort, hope and courage during this time of painful loss,” she said.

KZN Transport and Community Safety MEC Sipho Hlomuka said he was ‘deeply disturbed’ by this fatal accident.

The tragic accident comes as the Department of Transport plans an ‘intense’ road safety campaign for Transport Month in October. Hlomuka said the road safety drive will be characterised by visible law enforcement operations throughout KZN.

“The death of so many young lives is a tragedy. We have sent our forensic team to investigate the cause of the accident. We call for responsible road usage in the province to end the scourge of fatal crashes.”

The MEC is expected to visit the accident scene today.