N3 still closed on Townhill in PMB

The freeway was closed in the vicinity of the Peter Brown off-ramp early yesterday afternoon after a tanker and several other vehicles collided, before bursting into flames.

Two people were killed in the crash, while another eight people were hurt.

Pietermaritzburg Road Traffic Inspectorate officials say the tanker, which had been transporting ethanol, is only now beginning to cool down. 

Also read: One killed in massive PMB crash near Peter Brown off-ramp

Officers are unable to say when the road will be cleared, but it is unlikely to open in the next couple of hours.

Trucks are still being stacked on the N3 before the crash scene. However, officers were able to help light motor vehicles, buses and cattle trucks off the road overnight.

Vehicles are now being diverted off the N3 at Cedara.

RTI's Zinhle Mngomezulu says the tanker driver claims his brakes failed, but a full investigation still needs to be conducted.

"It has to be investigated because we have two arrestor beds in that area. If he's saying he had brake failure, he should have used the arrestor beds," she said.

RTI is urging motorists to use alternate routes today. The N3 heading away from Maritzburg, that's towards Joburg, is open to traffic.

(Photo: ER24)