A fatal crash has forced the closure of the M7 eastbound in Durban after a copper truck lost control and smashed into two vehicles near the N2 interchange, a stretch already feared by many truck drivers.
According to early reports, the Zambian-registered truck was travelling downhill towards the N2 when the driver allegedly lost control.
The heavily loaded truck then slammed into two cars before it overturned, landing on its roof.
The impact turned deadly within seconds.
ALS Paramedics confirmed that a male occupant in one of the vehicles was killed on the scene after the truck’s trailer came down on top of the car, trapping him inside.
The truck driver and another injured person suffered critical injuries and were treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital.
Emergency services are still working at the scene, and the M7 eastbound remains closed as recovery teams deal with the wreckage. Traffic is being diverted, but major delays are expected in and around the N2 interchange.
This section of road has become a known danger zone, especially for heavy-duty trucks. The steep downhill run towards the N2 has seen multiple serious crashes over the years, often linked to trucks losing control under load.
Many drivers have raised concerns about the safety of this stretch, saying it only takes one mistake, or brake failure, for things to turn catastrophic.
Truckers moving through the area are urged to approach with extreme caution. Keep your speed under control, use your gears properly, and don’t gamble on that downhill.
Authorities are expected to investigate the exact cause of the crash.
Watch the video of the scene below:
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