One Killed as Truck Skips Stone Chocks and Spirals Downhill on N3 near Camperdown

One person was killed on the N3 Durban-bound near Camperdown when a truck reportedly suffered brake failure on a downhill stretch, ending in a violent crash that claimed the life of a passenger.

The accident happened at around 4 pm on Thursday. According to a source, trouble began when the vehicle lost braking power while descending the hill. Realising the danger, the driver managed to bring the truck to a temporary stop on the slope.

In a desperate attempt to prevent the rig from rolling, stones were placed in front of the wheels to act as makeshift chocks. However, the effort proved unsuccessful.

Moments later, the truck reportedly jumped over the stones and began rolling downhill, rapidly gathering speed. With tonnes of metal now out of control, the driver fought to keep the truck on the road. As the vehicle approached a sharp curve, control was lost.

The truck veered off the roadway and slammed into an embankment with devastating force.

Watch: Truck Rolls into Bakkie After Driver Forgets Handbrake

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the passenger, who was travelling with the driver, sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead on the spot. The driver escaped with his life and is understood to be visibly shaken by the ordeal.

The N3 is notorious among truckers for its long descents and unforgiving curves, including the Camperdown section. Any mechanical failure, particularly involving brakes, can turn a routine trip into a nightmare within seconds.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the alleged brake failure. Investigations are expected to focus on the mechanical condition of the truck, its braking systems, and whether additional safety measures could have prevented the tragedy.