WATCH: N3 between Hilton and Cedara closed following multiple vehicle crash

The N3 Northbound before Hilton interchange has been closed to traffic following a multiple vehicle crash between Cedara and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal.

The accident happened on Monday afternoon, 10 April as many are heading back to their homes following the Easter weekend.

WATCH: MULTIPLE VEHICLE CRASH ON THE N3

It is not yet clear what caused the pile up which involves taxis, trucks and other small motor vehicles but there is fog on the N3 Toll Route.

Videos of the gruesome scene which have been circulated on social media show other people that are injured and it is believed that some are still trapped in their vehicles.

Some emergency services have been able to make their way to the N3 which has seen an increase in accidents in the past year alone.

WATCH: Police van driving recklessly on the N3 caught on camera

KZN – N3 Route: #AVOID #CRASH Multi-Vehicle Pile Up between Hilton and Cedara pic.twitter.com/iBbXVIvW1K

— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) April 10, 2023

*Check on relatives*. Both North and South bound affected due to multiple vehicle accident scene – N3 Northbound between Hilton and Cedara in Pietermaritzburg. pic.twitter.com/6Yi9aIAPb3

— Mthandeni Nene (@MthandeniNene) April 10, 2023

This is a developing story. The South African will provide more information as soon as it becomes available.

ALSO READ: Travelling this Easter weekend? Here are busy roads to AVOID

TRAFFIC EXPECTED TO INCREASE BETWEEN KZN AND GAUTENG

Earlier on Monday, traffic authorities on the N3 said they are registering an increase in traffic from KZN to Gauteng as holidaymakers are returning from the Easter long weekend. 

N3 Toll Concession Operations manager, Thania Dhoogra says they have recorded over 1500 vehicles per hour heading north by Monday morning thus far.

“Motorists are advised to plan ahead and prepare for busy traffic on the route throughout the day to get busy between 12 pm and 6 pm,” she said.

ALSO READ: Traffic INCREASE on N3 after long weekend

Eight-month-old baby survives, mother dies in N3 horrific collision