Two Dead as Runaway Truck Ploughs into Bakkie on R617 Landies Hill, Howick

A devastating head-on collision between a fully laden heavy-duty truck and a bakkie has claimed two lives on the R617 at Landies Hill in the Howick area on Thursday morning.

At approximately 09:00, KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service was dispatched to reports of a serious motor vehicle collision along the steep descent of Landies Hill. Upon arrival, paramedics were met with a scene of widespread destruction.

According to initial information from the scene, the truck, which was reportedly transporting a full load of molasses, was travelling downhill when it allegedly suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure involving its braking system. The driver is believed to have lost control, resulting in the truck ploughing into the bakkie.

Emergency crews immediately initiated triage procedures. Two occupants from the bakkie were found to have sustained serious injuries. They were stabilised on scene using advanced life support interventions before being transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.

Tragically, the force of the impact proved fatal for two individuals. One occupant from the truck and one occupant from the bakkie sustained unsurvivable injuries and were declared deceased by paramedics on arrival.

Members of the South African Police Service and the local fire department remained on scene for several hours to manage the complex recovery operation, including vehicle extrication and the clean-up of the hazardous molasses spill. The R617 was closed in both directions during the operation, causing significant delays.

Read | Truck driver, passenger killed in R617 truck crash

The road has since been reopened to traffic, however motorists are urged to exercise caution when travelling through the area.

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by SAPS.

This stretch of road is well known to truckers for its steep gradient, once again highlighting the critical importance of brake maintenance and speed management on downhill sections.

Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.