N3 Highway taxi overturn injures 18 school children near Mariannhill Toll Plaza
Aftermath of the taxi crash. Photo Credit- ALS medical services
A harrowing minibus taxi accident on the N3 highway left approximately 18 school children injured early Monday morning, October 13, 2025, as the vehicle carrying them to school veered out of control and flipped over just before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza. The incident unfolded shortly before 7:00 a.m. during the morning rush, transforming a routine commute into a scene of chaos on one of KwaZulu-Natal’s busiest corridors. Authorities confirmed it was a single-vehicle crash, with no other cars involved, highlighting the isolated yet devastating nature of the mishap.
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Emergency responders from ALS Paramedics Medical Services were among the first on site, arriving to a grim tableau of wreckage and distress that they described as “total carnage.” The paramedics quickly triaged the young victims, providing on-scene stabilization before transporting the injured to nearby medical facilities for further treatment. Details on the severity of injuries remain preliminary, but officials noted that the children, believed to be en route to local schools, were the sole passengers in the overcrowded taxi, a common sight on South African roads despite safety regulations.
As investigations into the loss of control get underway, road safety experts are pointing to potential factors like driver error, vehicle overload, or slick conditions from recent weather, though no definitive cause has been established yet. The N3, a vital artery linking Durban to inland provinces, has seen multiple similar incidents this year, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement on public transport operators. Motorists are advised to exercise caution in the area, with minor delays expected during cleanup and police probes.
Frequently asked questions on N3 taxi crash
When did the taxi overturn on the N3 occur?
The incident happened just before 7:00 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025.2.
How many school children were injured?
Approximately 18 school children sustained injuries in the crash.
What caused the taxi to lose control?
The taxi lost control, but a full investigation is ongoing to determine the exact factors.
Where precisely did the accident take place?
It occurred on the N3 highway just before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza, near Durban.
Which emergency services responded to the scene?
ALS Paramedics Medical Services arrived first and described the scene as “total carnage,” providing immediate medical aid.
