One dead, multiple injured in multi-vehicle crash on M4 near La Mercy

A tragic five-vehicle collision on the M4 highway near La Mercy, just after Umdloti in KwaZulu-Natal, claimed one life and left more than 20 people injured on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Emergency services were alerted to the scene shortly after the incident occurred, with responders rushing to the northbound carriageway where vehicles had piled up in a chaotic tangle of metal and debris.

Multiple emergency units, including paramedics from KZN VIP Protection Services, arrived swiftly to a grim tableau of overturned cars and scattered wreckage. Upon assessment, medics confirmed one fatality at the scene, while the injured, ranging from minor to critical, were stabilized on-site before being transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment. The exact number of those hospitalized remains unconfirmed, but authorities reported over 20 casualties requiring medical attention.

The crash’s cause is under investigation by traffic authorities, with preliminary indications pointing to possible speed or visibility issues along the busy coastal route. The M4, a vital artery connecting Durban to the North Coast, was partially closed northbound, leading to significant delays for motorists. Drivers were advised to seek alternative routes via the N2 or local roads, with full reopening expected once recovery operations conclude.

This incident underscores the dangers of high-traffic highways in the region, where collisions often result in severe outcomes due to the volume of vehicles. Officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport urged road users to exercise caution, adhere to speed limits, and remain vigilant, especially during peak travel periods. Further updates on the investigation and victim conditions are anticipated as details emerge.