Richards Bay traffic mayhem as #nationalshutdown trends on social media
All routes in and out of Richards Bay were blocked between 6am and 7.30am
THERE was mayhem in and around Richards Bay earlier this morning (Thursday) as all routes out of town were blocked by trucks ahead of rush-hour.
The blockade is believed to be in connection with the rising price of fuel, with the #nationalshutdown hashtag trending on social media.
ALSO READ: Public uproar over incomplete Mtubatuba road
According to reports, there are calls for the fuel price to decrease to at least R17/litre.
This after the most recent fuel price increase took effect yesterday.
The first reports of blocked roads came in just after 6am as trucks moved into place to block the John Ross R34 highway at the intersection with the N2.
The eSikhaleni intersection on the John Ross was blocked shortly thereafter, and the N2/eSikhaleni intersection was closed for a short while.
As commuters attempted to use alternative routes to travel between Richards Bay and Empangeni, North Central Arterial towards the N2 was at a standstill with bumper-to-bumper traffic.
At about 7.15am, trucks began to move into place to close off this intersection, but this blockade was short-lived.
Saps and City of uMhlathuze traffic police were on scene at the John Ross/N2 intersection and the road was reopened shortly before 7.30am.
While traffic was initially backed up, it eased up quickly and by 8am the road was clear and free-flowing.
North Central Arterial towards the N2 remained severely backed-up for some time, and an accident involving a taxi at about 8am caused further delays.
Mounties EMS responded to the call and attended to the injured on scene.
One person was seriously injured but not critical, while a further six sustained minor injuries.
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