How Did 1 Woman Die and 9 Get Hurt in a 4-Vehicle Crash on Durban's M4?

A woman died and nine people were injured in a four-vehicle crash on Durban's M4 Ruth First Highway on 13 October 2026, after a bakkie overturned on the northbound carriageway near Hyper by the Sea.

What happened on the M4 near Hyper by the Sea

• A bakkie overturned on the northbound carriageway of the M4 Ruth First Highway near Hyper by the Sea in Durban.
• The overturned bakkie triggered a collision involving four vehicles.
• One vehicle caught fire after the impact, while three others were extensively damaged.
• The crash affected traffic in both directions along the busy coastal route.

Emergency response

• ALS Paramedics, the eThekwini Fire Department, Durban Metro Police and SAPS Search and Rescue responded to the scene.
• Firefighters extinguished the vehicle fire while paramedics treated the survivors.
• A woman believed to be in her 40s was found with fatal injuries and died at the scene.
• Nine people were transported to hospital; Metro Police said none had sustained serious injuries.

Investigation into the cause

Police have yet to establish what caused the bakkie to overturn. The crash was first reported at 09:05 on 13 October 2026, and authorities urged motorists to avoid the area while the scene was cleared.

Frequently asked questions

Where did the Durban M4 crash happen?

The crash happened on the northbound carriageway of the M4 Ruth First Highway near Hyper by the Sea in Durban, South Africa.

How many people died and how many were injured?

One woman, believed to be in her 40s, died. Nine other people were injured and taken to hospital, with none reported to have serious injuries.

What caused the crash?

Police have not yet established what caused the bakkie to overturn and trigger the four-vehicle collision.

Which emergency services responded?

ALS Paramedics, the eThekwini Fire Department, Durban Metro Police and SAPS Search and Rescue responded, and firefighters extinguished a vehicle fire.