READ: Tragic Mother's Day Accident Claims Nine Lives in KwaZulu-Natal

Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal – A devastating accident on the N2 Northbound near Empangeni marred Mother's Day celebrations on May 11, 2025, claiming nine lives, mostly mothers. The collision occurred around 06:47 AM, just past the Mthunzini Toll Plaza, involving a tow truck and a Hyundai H-1 bakkie.

Preliminary reports indicate the tow truck rear-ended the bakkie, which was carrying 24 Zion Christian Church members traveling to a service in Dukuduku, Umtubatuba. The impact resulted in nine fatalities and multiple injuries, with survivors rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, expressed deep condolences, stating, “Losing a mother is a deeply painful experience that marks a radical change in a family’s life.” A dedicated team has been assigned to support the bereaved families and the church. Duma also mandated an investigation by the Road Traffic Inspectorate and Road Traffic Management Corporation to determine the cause of the crash.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport committed to providing updates as the investigation progresses, emphasizing transparency and support for the affected community.