Three people were killed and a fourth was badly injured in a pile-up that has forced the closure of the N3 near Montrose in the Free State on Wednesday.

Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha said medics had rushed to the crash scene after three heavy goods trucks had collided.

“At this stage we are not exactly sure what caused the crash but the relevant traffic authorities will be investigating this incident. Sadly three people had sustained critical injuries and had died on the scene,” he said.

“Paramedics treated and stabilised a fourth person who was in a critical condition at the scene before rushing them by ambulance to the Harrismith Provincial Hospital for further treatment and care,” he added.

KZN EMS spokesperson Robert McKenzie said that the road had been closed to traffic while emergency workers dealt with the accident.

“On the N3 about 4km into the Free State there is a total road closure,” he said.-News24

Source: News 24 wire