A major crash between a car and tanker on the N2 near the Amatikulu River claimed the lives of three women this morning.

Two men were also injured in the accident, while the highway was closed in both directions to allow for safe clean-up of the tanker, which was carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)

The accident happened at around 11am, killing three women aged 15 to 65 and leaving one man trapped.

Members of IPSS Search and Rescue and the Mandeni Fire Department were able to free the man and take him to hospital, alongside another man who was not as seriously injured.

Teams worked under immense pressure once they discovered the tanker’s cargo.

“The area was immediately declared unsafe due to the risk posed by the LPG tanker,” said IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson, Samantha Meyrick.

“Only essential personnel remained at the scene, and the N2 was closed.”

The highway has remained closed since, with 6.45pm this evening (June 28) being reported as the latest estimate for reopening.

Northbound traffic is being diverted at the Mandeni offramp and southbound traffic at Dokodweni.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and make use of alternative routes.

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