Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, accompanied by MEC for transport, community safety and liaison in KwaZulu-Natal Sipho Hlomuka, visited the N3 crash scene on Tuesday.
Chikunga extended her condolences to the families who lost loved ones following the multi-vehicle accident on Monday.
At least 35 vehicles including mini-buses and trucks were involved in the crash that led to major traffic congestion and forced the eight-hour closure of the highway in Pietermaritzburg.
The minister said an investigation is under way to determine the cause of the crash, adding that a report will be released thereafter.
Five people died on the scene while another person succumbed to injuries at the St Anne’s Hospital. Scores of other people were admitted to the hospitals.
Lwaphesheya Khosa, spokesperson for the Transport Department, said: “The South African National Roads Agency Limited is looking into the matter.
“Once it [the report] has been concluded by the road traffic information unit KZN and the South African Police service KZN, it will be publicised. The number of cars involved remain at 35 while the death toll increased to six.”
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