A truck travelling northbound on the N3 near Lions River overturned on Monday afternoon in an incident captured on video by a motorist who was driving behind the vehicle.
In the footage the truck can be seen travelling at a reduced speed before approaching a right-hand curve. The trailer appears to already be unstable suggesting the load inside the six-metre container may have shifted. As the vehicle entered the bend the left-side axles momentarily lifted off the roadway while the container leaned sharply to the right.
Within seconds the trailer flipped onto its side pulling the horse with it as the kingpin connection held. The truck came to rest on its right-hand side across one of the northbound lanes.
The incident unfolded moments after another truck had passed through the same lane. A tanker truck travelling directly behind the overturned vehicle narrowly avoided a secondary collision with the driver managing to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop just metres before the scene.
Emergency services have closed the Johannesburg-bound carriageway while recovery operations are underway. Diesel spillage from the overturned truck is currently being contained and authorities say the road will remain closed until the vehicle has been recovered and the surface declared safe.
Traffic is heavily backed up in the area and road users have been advised to exercise patience and consider alternative routes where possible.
Details regarding the condition of the truck driver remain unconfirmed at this stage.
This story is developing and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Watch the video below:
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