The N4 Bypass near Mbombela has been closed to traffic this morning after an articulated truck lost control and plunged off a bridge into the Crocodile River below.
According to an alert issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, the crash occurred just after 10h00.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where two occupants were found critically injured.
Both were stabilised on site and transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Recovery operations are currently underway, with authorities bringing in heavy-duty equipment to hoist the wreck from the riverbed.
Due to the complexity of the recovery, the N4 Bypass is completely closed in both directions near the bridge.
Motorists are being diverted to the R104 via Mbombela Town, with traffic building up on alternative routes as authorities work to clear the scene.
Read | Trucker Killed in N4 Rear-End Crash in Emalahleni
A spokesperson for the department urged road users to be patient and cautious, especially with the increase in traffic along the R104 detour.
“The safety of motorists remains our top priority. We ask everyone to obey instructions from traffic officials and avoid the crash site for their own safety,” the statement said.
No fatalities have been confirmed at this stage, but emergency services remain on high alert.
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