Seven people were killed and several others injured in a deadly series of accidents on the N2 between Chaka’s Rock and Mandeni on Saturday night.

Three of the accidents included pedestrians, while the fourth was a head-on collision.

Early on in the evening, a pedestrian was hit and killed near the Salt Rock off-ramp at around 7pm.

Another accident involving a pedestrian took place nearby at Chaka’s Rock a few hours later, at about 11pm.

“The vehicle lost control after striking the pedestrian near Chaka’s Rock, bursting into flames and sadly leaving the driver deceased,” said IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson, Samantha Meyrick.

The pedestrian, a man, also died from his injuries.

At around the same time, a third pedestrian was killed on the N2 near Mandeni, at least the sixth on the North Coast N2 since late July.

The fourth accident of the night happened near Mandeni at around midnight.

According to IPSS Security operations manager, Phumlani Vezi, a car carrying five people from Ballito to Richards Bay was involved in a head-on collision with a South African Police Services car travelling south.

Two men and a woman in the northbound car died in the accident, while the remaining two passengers were also critically injured.

The police officer, who was alone in the car, was rushed to the hospital in a serious condition.

Meyrick thanked the KwaDukuza and Mandeni Fire Departments, EMRS, and private ambulance services for their swift response under extremely challenging circumstances.

“Our condolences go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. We also commend the teamwork shown by all responders during these multiple emergencies,” Meyrick said.

The four accidents come in the wake of a group of recent accidents along the North Coast N2, prompting renewed calls for greater road safety measures.