A vigilant truck driver’s swift action prevented what could have been a fatal collision with a man attempting to end his life by jumping in front of the moving vehicle on the N1 near Rivonia on Monday afternoon.
The incident occurred yesterday evening when the trucker, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was navigating his route along N1 south towards Johannesburg.
He recounted the heart-pounding moment when he spotted the troubled man darting into the path of his oncoming truck.
“I saw him out of the corner of my eye, and I slammed on the brakes as fast as I could,” he told SA Trucker.
“I managed to stop just in time, but he still collided with the side of the truck. It was a split-second decision, and I thank the heavens I acted fast.”
Miraculously, the man survived the collision, though he sustained serious injuries.
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According to the driver, the man revealed his intention to end his life, citing numerous personal struggles, in a letter found in his bag.
“After the accident, he told me he had been carrying a letter listing the reasons why he wanted to end his life,” the trucker said.
“It was heartbreaking to hear his story. I’m just grateful I was able to prevent a tragedy.”
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the injured man was swiftly transported to the nearest hospital by ambulance for urgent medical care.
The event serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and quick reflexes, especially on bustling highways where split-second decisions can make all the difference.
Trucker's vigilance and quick reflexes saved the day on the N1 near Rivonia after a man leaped in front of his cruising truck in a suicide attempt😔 pic.twitter.com/SLALcmhWqh
— SA Trucker (@rsa_trucker) February 27, 2024
