Another major accident involving heavy trucks on the N3 highway, days after a horrific crash outside Harrismith on the same stretch of road, killed three people.

Two of the deceased burned to death as one truck caught fire.

KwaZulu-Natal transport department spokeswoman Zinhle Mngomezulu said four trucks were involved in the collision. A driver on his way to Johannesburg lost control and veered onto the south- bound lane towards Durban.

“He sideswiped a second truck and collided head-on with a third,” said Mngomezulu.

A fourth truck, also on its way to Durban, drove straight into the wreckage.

Authorities closed the lane between the Engen One Stop and Tugela Plaza near Estcourt. Traffic was diverted through Bergville.