Durban North SAPS and metro police have confirmed that the driver of the truck, which allegedly lost control and crashed into more than 45 vehicles on the M41 (eastbound) in uMhlanga, fled the scene of the accident.

A total of 15 people were injured, three seriously so, and were transported to local hospitals by various ambulance services.

One of those seriously injured includes a woman who is four-months pregnant, who had to be airlifted to hospital.

The tipper truck, that was carrying asphalt, crashed through a fence and landed on its side almost a kilometre down the road from the carnage.

eThekwini Metro Police spokesperson senior superintendent Boysie Zungu says the driver fled the scene and is currently facing charges.

It is understood that SAPS are still trying to locate the owner of the truck company.

The driver is facing three charges, including reckless and negligent driving, fleeing the scene of an accident, and the failure to ascertain the nature and extent of any injury sustained by any person.

According to Netcare 911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst, paramedics treated 22 patients who had sustained injuries ranging from serious to minor.

The road was closed for seven hours to allow emergency workers to clear the scene as well as to complete their investigations.