By Khulile Thwala
KwaZulu-Natal police arrested the truck driver involved in a multi-vehicle crash on the M41 highway in Umhlanga on Monday. This follows a voluntary handover to the police by the tipper truck driver.
The driver allegedly fled the scene after his truck ploughed into multiple vehicles during peak traffic. No fatalities were recorded, but scores of people suffered injuries, ranging from moderate to serious.
South Africa Police Service (SAPS) KZN police spokesperson Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed that the 23-year-old man handed himself over.
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“Durban north police are investigating a case of negligent and reckless driving,” she said.
Ngcobo added that the man was expected to appear in court soon.
According to the KZN transport department, the truck’s braking system allegedly failed and 49 vehicles were damaged.
In a statement, KZN transport MEC Sipho Hlomuka said a probe should look into the allegations of brake failure, the condition of the driver, and various other defects.
He said that, if the investigation revealed the truck was not roadworthy, “the government could also advocate for charges to be pressed against the truck owner.”
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Hlomuka further said the accident was unnecessary and could have been avoided.
“We have ordered an investigation so that those responsible could be held accountable. As a government, we have a targeted programme focusing on trucks,” he said.
Hlomuka said there was a growing challenge with the behaviour of tipper truck drivers in areas such as N2 Phongola and N2 Richards Bay.
“We will continue engaging with the freight and logistics sector to adhere to the laws. We also wish a speedy recovery to all those affected by this accident, including those who suffered trauma and physical injuries,” he said.
