Four people were injured in a head-on collision involving two trucks on the N10 at Olifantskop Pass on Tuesday morning, in a crash believed to have been caused by a broken-down truck blocking the uphill lane.
According to preliminary reports, a truck had come to a standstill on the steep incline of the pass, allegedly after running out of diesel.
With no traffic officials or warning signage in place, it posed a serious hazard to oncoming traffic.
Moments later, a second truck approaching from behind the stationary vehicle attempted to pass it in the oncoming lane.
Unfortunately, another truck was descending the pass at speed and couldn’t stop in time. The two trucks collided head-on, with debris scattered across the road.
Emergency services responded swiftly, and four occupants were treated for moderate to serious injuries. The pass had to be temporarily closed for an EMS chopper to evacuate the injured.
The incident has sparked renewed concern over the recurring problem of broken-down trucks being left unattended on dangerous sections of road, especially mountain passes like Olifantskop. This isn’t the first time such negligence has led to tragedy.
“It’s the same story every time – trucks break down, block the road, and nothing is done until lives are lost,” said one frustrated motorist on the scene.
Watch | Trucker Saved From Fiery Death in N10 Olifantskop Pass Crash
The exact cause of the collision is still under investigation, but early indications suggest the broken-down vehicle’s lack of fuel and failure to warn other motorists may have played a central role.
Authorities have urged truckers to maintain fuel levels and ensure breakdowns are reported and secured with proper signage, especially on high-risk routes like Olifantskop.
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