The driver of the truck suffered a severe, fatal head injury as the heavy load shifted forward and sheared the whole cab from the chassis.One passenger from the truck was injured and transported to hospital. A total of 8 vehicles were involved, only one was able to be driven away,the rest were all towed from the scene with a number of people having sustained less severe injuries who needed medical attention.
• Second incident, same location
By 23h00 last night the scene had not yet been cleared. Two heavy duty recovery rigs capable of lifting approximately 45 tons and 80 tons respectively were required on scene.(and were on scene.). The freeway had been totally closed between Rivonia and William Nicol to ensure a safe recovery.(Direction South)
During the recovery operation a car came down the freeway on the Southbound side but heading North.(on the wrong side of the road) It was reported that the driver got onto the freeway at William Nicol, on the wrong side and proceeded all the way to Rivonia, just over 4km, to where the first incident was still in progress.
The driver of the light motor vehicle then crashed into a tow truck which was still on scene at the first incident and was assisting with the road closure.The female driver of the car was seriously injured in the collision. She was treated on scene by Netcare 911 paramedics and transported to Netcare Sunninghill hospital.
She had sustained leg and arm fractures as well as injuries to her head and chest.
She is currently in ICU.(Photos of the car and truck taken in daylight at a different location to show impact damage). The scene was finally cleared at around 03h00 this morning.
