N3 closed at Van Reenens Pass

Emergency teams are busy with recovery and clean-up operations at the scene of two deadly crashes.

To add to traffic woes, the roads are wet and there has been a major diesel spillage on the southbound carriageway.   

The N3 Toll Concession's Con Roux says the busy freeway is likely to be closed for some time.

"A four kilometre diesel spill has occurred on the steep slopes on Van Reenen, coupled with the wet weather means that the road is extremely slippery and at present impassable. All resources are on scene but it is going to take quite a long time before that scene is cleared," he said.

Roux has given this advice to motorists:

KwaZulu-Natal Emergency Medical Services' spokesperson Robert Mckenzie says two people were killed in a multi-vehicle collision there this morning.

"There has been a multi-vehicle crash involving seven vehicles and at least three trucks and three minibuses. Tragically, there are at least two fatalities. Paramedics and emergency services are treating the injured. At this stage the amount of injured people is unknown," he said.

One person was also killed at a second, and unrelated accident, also on the northbound carriageway.

The freeway is closed in both directions.