Durban — KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Sipho Hlomuka calls on drivers to be extra vigilant on the road following another truck crash that claimed seven lives in the south of Durban.
The department said reports reveal that a truck collided with multiple vehicles on the M35 outside Isipingo leaving seven people dead and scores injured.
It said that it is alleged that the truck collided with three light motor vehicles.
The cause of the accident is being investigated.
A task team of investigators led by the SAPS’ collision unit, Road Traffic Inspectorate and eThekwini metro is working on the details investigation, including scene reconstruction.
Hlomuka called on truck owners and drivers to work with the government in reducing the levels of crashes and fatalities.
“It is painful to witness yet another truck accident.
“The alarming levels of fatalities involving trucks are unacceptable.
“Without being pre-emptive to the investigation, we are concerned at the levels of accidents involving trucks on our roads,” Hlomuka said.
“In October 2022 alone, more than 55 trucks were reported in the province.
“As the government, we have taken extraordinary steps to focus enforcement of heavy vehicles.
“We have also commissioned an investigation into the cause of the Isipingo accident and we are hoping that at the end we will find answers on what transpired,” Hlomuka continued.
Hlomuka said that as part of the recently launched Festive Season Safety campaign, the government is focusing on heavy vehicles and public transport.
The plan includes promoting public safety and road safety.
The department added that there are several provincial hotspots area for heavy vehicles including N2 in Pongola, R34 and N3 Peter Brown.
Daily News