WATCH-Tragic Head-On Collision Involving a Taxi on N3 Claims Eight Lives Near Van Reenen's Pass

Harrismith, Free State – October 30, 2025 – A severe head-on crash between a minibus taxi and a truck on the N3 highway has resulted in the deaths of eight individuals early Thursday morning. The incident unfolded around 5:00 a.m. between Van Reenen’s Pass and Montrose, disrupting northbound traffic in the Free State province.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, located near Swinburne at the N3-7X 3.6 N marker. Rescue teams worked for several hours to extricate passengers trapped in the wreckage of the vehicles. The minibus taxi, which was en route from Virginia in the Free State to Durban, veered into the oncoming lane before colliding with the truck. All eight fatalities occurred at the scene, with the victims identified as a group of women traveling together for a holiday in Durban.

In addition to the deaths, six passengers sustained moderate injuries and were transported by ambulance to Thebe Hospital in Harrismith for treatment. The truck involved has been described in reports as a light delivery vehicle, though initial accounts varied slightly on its classification. The exact reason for the taxi's deviation into the wrong lane remains under investigation by authorities.

South African Police Service (SAPS) officers secured the area immediately following the crash, with the scene remaining active as recovery efforts continued throughout the morning. A case of culpable homicide has been registered in connection with the incident, as police probe potential contributing factors. Preliminary assessments point to possible influences such as speed, driver fatigue, or reduced visibility due to early morning conditions, though no definitive cause has been established.

The collision prompted a full closure of the N3 highway in the affected section, leading to significant traffic backups. Vehicles were redirected to alternative routes, and authorities issued warnings for motorists to exercise caution and consider delays extending into the afternoon. The partial reopening of lanes depended on the completion of vehicle removal and debris clearance operations, which were ongoing as of mid-morning.

Provincial police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle confirmed the toll of eight fatalities and noted that investigative teams were collecting evidence from the site. Earle emphasized that the road would remain under monitoring until fully cleared. Similarly, Sindi Msimang, a representative from the Road Traffic Inspectorate, verified the death count and urged drivers to use secondary paths like the R74 or local detours to bypass the congestion. Msimang highlighted the importance of adhering to speed limits and rest requirements for long-haul drivers in the region.

This crash marks one of several serious incidents on the N3 corridor this year, a vital artery connecting Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal. The highway's steep gradients and high traffic volume near Van Reenen’s Pass have historically posed challenges for commercial and passenger vehicles. Recovery teams, including those from the provincial traffic department, coordinated with tow operators to haul the damaged vehicles off the roadway, restoring partial flow by late morning.

As investigations proceed, forensic analysis of the vehicles and witness statements will provide further clarity on the sequence of events. The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has not yet released a timeline for full reopening but confirmed collaboration with local authorities to minimize disruptions. Families of the victims have been notified, and counseling services are available through hospital channels in Harrismith.

Motorists traveling northbound toward Durban are advised to check real-time updates from traffic information services for the latest on diversions and expected clearance times. The incident underscores ongoing road safety efforts in the Free State, where enforcement of vehicle fitness and driver alertness remains a priority.