Two people have lost their lives and another three are critically injured after three trucks collided earlier this morning.

The collision occurred at about 06:00 in the vicinity of Zinkwazi on the N2 in KZN.

Both north- and southbound lanes were closed in the vicinity of the accident, and motorists were diverted off the N2 and over a nearby bridge.

According to a statement by IPSS Medical Rescue whose personnel are among the numerous emergency services on scene, looters descended on a liquor truck that was involved in the accident, ‘causing chaos’ at the scene.

“The initial collision occurred when a smaller truck was rear-ended by one of the larger trucks. The larger truck then veered across the road, resulting in the head-on collision with a [second] large truck,” said IPSS spokesperson Samantha Meyrick who spoke from the scene.

She explained the two deceased were on the back of the smaller truck, while the three critically injured patients were all travelling together in the second large truck.

“A driver from one of the larger trucks was treated for moderate injuries and has been transported to hospital by IPSS Medical,” said Meyrick.

Watch: Critically injured truck driver airlifted to hospital

Before 09:00, one of the critically injured truck drivers was airlifted to a nearby medical facility owing to the nature of his injuries.

“The driver and passengers of the truck all sustained critical injuries, and were entrapped. [KwaDukuza Municipality] Fire Department and Rural Metro Fire worked to extricate the patients, all while some looting of one of the trucks took place.

“The three patients were successfully extricated and their care handed over to the waiting medical crews. Two patients were transported under the care of IPSS Medical Advanced Life Support to a suitable facility.

“Owing to the traumatic injuries of the driver, the decision was made to airlift the patient to a suitable facility,” explained Meyrick.

By 09:00, traffic was still being diverted over the Zinkwazi bridge onto the R102 and it is said the N2 is expected to remain closed for some time.