A dashcam video has emerged online showing a harrowing crash between a tanker truck and a bakkie on the N4 near the KaNyamazane turn-off outside Mbombela.
The footage, captured from the onboard camera in the truck, reveals a sequence of events that left the driver with no chance to avoid the collision.
In the video, the truck is seen following a VW Polo at a speed of 77km/h, as indicated by the dashcam.
As they approach the turn-off, the Polo signals to turn right.
Meanwhile, another bakkie is waiting at the intersection, apparently intending to turn onto the N4. However, in a sudden and dangerous move, the bakkie enters the N4 right in front of the oncoming truck.
With barely a second to react, the truck driver is unable to stop in time. The truck collides with the bakkie, forcing it to overturn on the right side of the road.
The truck itself is forced off to the left shoulder, but it remains upright.
According to the spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Moeti Mmusi, a driver and occupant of the other bakkie in the accident sustained slight injuries.
The truck driver was not injured. The cause of the accident is unknown at this stage, but investigations are underway.
Watch | Dashcam Captures Truck Driver Fatally Injured in Queue-Jumping Incident on N4 Highway
This video is a reminder to all truckers out there about the importance of constant vigilance. We know that being on the road demands scanning for hazards every second, but unfortunately, as this video shows, some hazards come without any warning.
You can be watching every move around you, but when other drivers make sudden, unpredictable decisions, sometimes there’s just no way to avoid an accident. This is why staying alert and maintaining safe speeds are essential – every second counts out there, but some situations are simply out of our control.
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