The N2 between Ermelo and Piet Retief, notorious for its frequent and tragic accidents, became a scene of devastation this past weekend. Two separate multi-vehicle crashes on this perilous stretch left one person dead, another two critically injured, and several others shaken.
Friday evening: Tragedy strikes amid thunderstorms
On Friday evening, 15 November 2024, a chain crash involving four coal trucks and a car brought traffic to a standstill approximately 35km outside Ermelo. The accident occurred at around 18:30 during a severe thunderstorm.
Emergency services, including Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue, responded swiftly, but the scene was grim. The driver of the second truck sustained critical injuries and was trapped in his mangled cab. Rescuers worked tirelessly under adverse weather conditions to free him using specialised hydraulic tools, with ER24 paramedics and provincial paramedics stabilising him before rushing him to the hospital. Tragically, the driver of the third truck died instantly when his vehicle slammed into the back of the second truck.
The drivers of the first and fourth trucks, as well as the car driver, miraculously escaped without injuries. The accident closed the N2 until just after sunrise on Saturday morning as emergency teams, including Star of Life and Van Wettens Towing, worked through the night to clear the wreckage.
Sunday afternoon: Another collision adds to the toll
Not far from Friday’s tragedy, approximately 22km outside Ermelo on the N2 towards Piet Retief, another serious accident occurred on Sunday afternoon. A small truck collided head-on with a low-bed trailer truck after allegedly overtaking on a double-barrel line.
The driver of the smaller truck sustained serious injuries and was trapped in the wreckage, while two passengers suffered minor injuries. Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue, supported by Shesha Towing and Van Wettens Towing, worked to separate the vehicles and free the driver, who was stabilised at the scene with the assistance of ER24 paramedics and an off-duty provincial paramedic. All three victims were transported to the hospital for further care.
A grim reminder for motorists
These back-to-back incidents highlight the perilous conditions on the N2 and the importance of adhering to road safety regulations, particularly during adverse weather conditions or while overtaking.
As the community grapples with another weekend marred by tragedy, questions about the safety of this road and the measures needed to prevent further loss of life remain pressing.
Our thoughts are with the families and individuals affected, and we are grateful to the emergency teams that always work relentlessly to save lives and clear the scenes under challenging conditions.