Emergency services were alerted to the fatal accident on Thursday morning (30/10), says Free State Road Incident Management System (RIMS) spokesperson Sipho Towa. Eight people were declared dead on the scene.

Six others sustained moderate injuries and were transported to Thebe Hospital in Harrismith.

Eight people died in the accident on the N3 near Harrismith. Photo supplied

The N3 was reopened later in the morning after being completely closed in both directions. Motorists were urged to exercise extreme caution when approaching the area and to adhere to all traffic instructions and signage.

The road has been closed where eight people died in an accident on the N3 near Harrismith. Photo supplied

“Please be aware of emergency services and traffic management personnel on site. Obey all instructions and road signs,” said Towa.

The following alternative routes can be followed:

• From Harrismith:  Take the R712 towards Qwaqwa/Phuthaditjhaba/Bergville. After approximately 10 km, turn onto the R74 towards Bergville/Oliviershoek Pass. At Bergville, take the R616 to reconnect with the N3.

• From Estcourt:  Take the R616 to Bergville. At Bergville, turn onto the R74 towards Phuthaditjhaba/Qwaqwa. From the R74, take the R712 back to Harrismith.

• This news story has been updated.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs