Concerns Mount as Yet Another Zambian Copper Truck Crashes on Durban Descent

Durban – Concerns are growing over the increasing number of Zambian copper trucks involved in crashes on steep descents leading into Durban after another truck lost control on the Mariannhill route on Tuesday afternoon.

The Zambian-registered truck was travelling towards Durban when the driver reportedly lost control under circumstances that are still unknown. The truck crashed through the centre barriers before ending up on the Pietermaritzburg-bound side of the road, causing major disruption to traffic.

Authorities had not yet confirmed injuries or fatalities at the time of publication.

The latest incident adds to a worrying pattern involving copper trucks arriving in Durban after completing the gruelling 2,600km journey from Zambia’s Copperbelt.

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By the time these trucks reach KwaZulu-Natal, they have already travelled through multiple demanding descents across Southern Africa, including sections in Zambia and Zimbabwe before facing major South African routes such as Van Reenen Pass, Town Hill, Mariannhill, and the M7.

Industry concerns have increasingly focused on brake condition, downhill driving practices, and the pressure placed on trucks and drivers during long-distance cross-border operations.

Road safety observers warn that repeated downhill braking over such long distances can place extreme strain on braking systems, especially if drivers rely too heavily on foot brakes instead of engine braking and retarders.

The latest crash also comes amid growing debate around dangerous downhill practices such as rolling in neutral, commonly referred to by some drivers as “Zambian gear”, where trucks gain momentum quickly while relying almost entirely on service brakes for control.

Several recent runaway truck crashes in Durban have involved copper loads, raising questions about vehicle condition, driver fatigue, training, and enforcement on key freight routes.

Advice for Copper Truck Drivers

Experienced long-haul drivers say the final descents into Durban should never be underestimated, especially after days on the road.

Drivers are urged to:

• Select the correct low gear before descending
• Use engine braking as the primary control method
• Avoid freewheeling in neutral on downhill sections
• Stop immediately if brakes show signs of overheating or fading
• Reduce speed long before reaching steep descents

Advice for Transport Companies

Transport operators moving copper between Zambia and Durban are also being urged to strengthen safety checks before trucks enter major downhill sections in KwaZulu-Natal.

Key recommendations include:

• Thorough brake inspections before entering Durban
• Ensuring retarders and braking systems are fully functional
• Proper driver training for steep descents
• Avoiding unrealistic delivery pressure and tight schedules
• Enforcing mandatory safety stops before dangerous downhill routes

With another major crash now added to the growing list, pressure is mounting for stricter monitoring and enforcement on truck routes leading into Durban.

For many road users, the concern is no longer whether another runaway truck crash will happen, but when.