A truck driver was killed and three people were injured in a horror crash on the N1 North in Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg, on Thursday afternoon, 13 August.
The crash happened at about 4.50pm between Beyers Naudé Drive and Malibongwe Drive.
According to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), a white Volvo truck and a grey Honda Ballade were travelling north when tragedy struck.
It is alleged that the truck suffered a right-front tyre blowout while travelling in the slow lane.
The blowout reportedly caused the driver to lose control of the heavy vehicle. The truck swerved across the lanes before colliding with the Honda.
The impact forced the Honda off the highway, where it crashed into a concrete barrier before coming to rest on the opposite side of the road.
The truck also struck the barrier, with the driver being thrown from the cab.
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed that the truck driver suffered fatal injuries.
Read | Driver dies after being ejected from his truck during N2 accident
“The adult male truck driver sustained fatal injuries at the scene. His body was removed to the Roodepoort Mortuary,” said Fihla.
Three people travelling in the Honda were injured.
Two were transported to Helen Joseph Hospital by ER24, while the third was taken to Discovery Clinic for emergency treatment.
A culpable homicide case will be registered at Honeydew Police Station as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Emergency services, JMPD officers and tow truck operators worked through the night to clear the wreckage and reopen the N1.
The highway was eventually cleared and traffic returned to normal.
Fihla urged motorists, particularly those travelling on high-speed routes, to remain vigilant and ensure their vehicles are properly maintained.
“Motorists are urged to exercise extra caution, maintain safe following distances, and conduct regular tyre maintenance checks to prevent mechanical failure on high-speed roadways,” he said.
The crash is a stark reminder of how quickly a tyre failure on a heavy vehicle can turn into a serious road disaster, leaving very little room for the driver or surrounding motorists to react.
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