Durban – A Zambian-registered truck carrying copper plates was involved in a multi-vehicle collision on the M7 towards the Bluff near the N2 interchange in eThekwini on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the death of a woman.
According to emergency services, the incident occurred just after 16:45. The truck lost control and collided with approximately four vehicles before overturning onto a light motor vehicle. The trailer and its load of copper plates came down on the car, trapping the occupants.
Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for ALS Paramedics Medical Services, confirmed that rescue personnel responded to the scene. The eThekwini Fire Department used the Jaws of Life to free the truck driver, who was trapped in the wreckage. He sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.
Following the removal of the trailer using a heavy-duty tow truck, a woman believed to be in her 50s was found inside the crushed light motor vehicle. Paramedics declared her dead at the scene. Two other people sustained minor injuries and received treatment. The M7 Durban-bound lane was closed for several hours while emergency operations continued. The scene was handed over to the South African Police Service for investigation.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, addressed the incident, stating that the Zambian national truck driver will face the full might of the law. Duma noted that the truck is registered in Zambia and directed law enforcement agencies to ensure the driver does not flee after receiving treatment for his injuries in hospital. Reports indicate the driver is under police guard in hospital and will be taken to jail upon discharge.
Duma referenced ongoing departmental efforts, including Operation NenzaniLaEzweni, under which the Road Traffic Inspectorate has arrested more than 25 undocumented foreign nationals, including truck drivers. These individuals were sentenced and jailed at facilities such as Pietermaritzburg Correctional Centre New Prison and Westville Correctional Services Centre prior to deportation. He reiterated warnings to truck company owners against employing undocumented foreign drivers.
The M7 route links the N3 in Pinetown with the Durban Port, southern areas, and the Bluff, and is frequently used by heavy-duty trucks.
No further details on the driver’s documentation status, the precise cause of the loss of control, the identity of the deceased woman, or specific charges have been released by authorities as of the latest reports. The South African Police Service continues to investigate the collision.
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