WATCH: N3 Truck Crash Sparks Looting Frenzy Near Van Reenen

Van Reenen, KwaZulu-Natal – On Tuesday, 8 July 2025, a heavy motor vehicle overturned on the N3 highway near the Van Reenen Police Station at kilometre marker 59.2 northbound, triggering significant traffic disruptions and a chaotic looting incident. The crash, which occurred in the morning, led to the closure of multiple lanes as emergency services and recovery teams responded to the scene.

According to the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), the truck’s overturn caused a complete road closure initially, with traffic stacked in both directions. By 11:04 AM, all lanes on the southbound (Durban-bound) carriageway were reopened, and recovery efforts continued off the roadway. However, the northbound (Johannesburg-bound) left lane remained obstructed as late as 3:44 PM, with traffic moving slowly past the scene. Motorists were urged to approach the area cautiously due to ongoing recovery operations.

Shortly after the accident, dozens of people gathered at the site and began looting bags of rice from the overturned truck. The spilled cargo, consisting of thousands of 10kg bags of Tastic rice, attracted passersby and local residents. Video evidence captured individuals carrying off the rice, some loading it into vehicles, while others fled on foot with their haul. The looting took place opposite the Van Reenen Police Station, raising questions about the immediate response from law enforcement.

Reaction Unit South Africa reported that the looting involved both motorists and nearby residents, who took advantage of the unsecured cargo. No injuries were reported in connection with the crash or the subsequent looting, and the cause of the truck’s overturn remains under investigation. Authorities have not released details about arrests or measures to recover the stolen goods.

The incident caused heavy congestion on the N3, a critical transport route linking Durban and Johannesburg. The N3TC advised road users to drive safely and remain patient as recovery efforts continued. By late Tuesday, traffic flow was partially restored, but delays persisted due to the remaining obstructions.

This event adds to a series of incidents on the N3 near Van Reenen’s Pass, which has seen multiple truck crashes and protests in recent years, often leading to significant disruptions. Authorities are yet to comment on measures to prevent similar looting incidents in the future.