Makhado – A truck driver miraculously escaped with his life after losing control of his vehicle near the Hendrik Verwoerd Tunnel on the N1 on Sunday afternoon.
According to a statement issued by the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, preliminary investigations suggest that the truck suffered brake failure while travelling along the route. The vehicle initially struck three other vehicles near Ingwe. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the earlier collisions.
Approximately 2 kilometres further along the N1, the driver reportedly lost control of the truck. The vehicle veered off the roadway, plunged into a ditch and subsequently caught fire.
Video footage from the scene shows the truck engulfed in flames at the bottom of the embankment, with part of its load scattered across the roadway.
The driver was transported to hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there were any passengers on board at the time of the crash.
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Firefighters remain on scene working to extinguish the blaze and secure the area. The N1 near the Hendrik Verwoerd Tunnel remains closed to traffic.
Motorists travelling in the area are advised to make use of alternative routes. Those travelling from Musina should use the R523 detour via Siloam, while motorists from Makhado are urged to use the Witvlag turn-off.
Authorities have apologised for the inconvenience and indicated that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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