A massive multi-agency search and rescue operation has successfully recovered the body of a truck driver whose vehicle plunged down a steep embankment near Dududu, KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday morning.
IPSS Medical Rescue responded to reports of the crash, and on arrival, found the truck nearly 100 meters down the embankment, precariously held in place by two trees.
Tragically, paramedics confirmed that the driver had not survived.
Efforts to retrieve his body were hampered by the terrain, the instability of the wreckage, and dense bush.
The Ugu Fire Department assessed the situation but determined it was too dangerous to extract the body at that time.
Later that afternoon, IPSS Search and Rescue and SAPS Search and Rescue teams revisited the site.
A single rescuer was sent down to the wreckage and confirmed the fire department’s assessment.
With safety concerns paramount, the decision was made to postpone the recovery until the next morning, when a larger team with specialized equipment could be deployed.
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Early Sunday morning, IPSS Search and Rescue, SAPS Search and Rescue, and Durban Metro Police Search and Rescue returned to the scene.
They worked for hours, carefully securing the wreckage, cutting through thick vegetation, and stabilizing the area to access the driver’s body.
The deceased has now been recovered and handed over to Dududu SAPS for further investigation.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the driver’s family and loved ones.
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