Four killed in separate KwaZulu-Natal crashes amid heavy rain

Four people have died in separate horrific crashes in KwaZulu-Natal amid prolonged rainfall that has left roads wet, flooded and dangerous.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said he received reports at around 4am on Friday from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and roving teams from Human Settlements about incidents and conditions in various parts of the province.

According to Duma, poor visibility, wet roads and flooding have been cited as some of the main contributing factors to accidents reported across the province, including along the N2 and N3.

One of the fatal crashes occurred on the N2 near Umkuze in the uMkhanyakude District, involving a truck and a light motor vehicle.

Two people died in the crash, while an infant sustained serious injuries.

Another fatal crash was reported on the R66, approximately five kilometres past the RTI offices in Gingindlovu towards Eshowe.

Two people were killed and another two were seriously injured in the crash, which also involved a truck.

A preliminary report from the RTI alleges that the steering of a truck carrying a mounted drilling machine locked while the vehicle was in motion. The truck then allegedly veered from its lane, resulting in the crash.

Duma extended his condolences to the families of the four people who lost their lives.

Meanwhile, Human Settlements teams were expected to consolidate reports from roving teams monitoring high-risk areas across the province.