A truck overturned on the R34 near Zulu Rock on Wednesday, 23 April, after reportedly suffering a tyre blowout, leaving two people injured and causing major traffic disruptions.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident, where they found the truck lying across the roadway, blocking both lanes. The crash has brought traffic to a standstill in both directions, affecting motorists travelling between Vryheid and Ulundi.
Paramedics assessed two patients at the scene. One person sustained moderate injuries, while the other suffered minor injuries. Both were stabilised under Advanced Life Support care before being transported to Nkonjeni Hospital for further medical treatment.
Authorities confirmed that recovery operations are still underway, with the scene expected to take time to clear due to the position of the overturned truck. Traffic remains heavily affected, with delays building up on both sides of the route.
While the exact cause of the tyre failure has not yet been confirmed, tyre blowouts remain one of the leading contributors to heavy vehicle crashes, especially on long-distance routes where vehicles operate under high loads and heat conditions.
Motorists travelling along the R34 are urged to proceed with caution, reduce speed when approaching the scene, and allow for extra travel time as emergency teams continue their work.
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