On Tuesday morning, tragedy struck on the N2 near Camden Power Station when a devastating accident involving four coal trucks and a bakkie claimed the life of one man. The accident, which occurred around 11 AM, was precipitated by a veld fire that spread rapidly in severe windy conditions, drastically reducing visibility on the road.
The sequence of events unfolded as thick smoke from the veld fire engulfed the N2, creating hazardous driving conditions. Four coal trucks and a bakkie were unable to stop in time, resulting in a pile-up. In the chaos, one of the coal trucks caught fire, tragically claiming the life of its driver. Another driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported.
The accident caused significant traffic delays as emergency workers and authorities worked on the scene. Van Wettens Towing worked tirelessly through Tuesday and into the early hours of Wednesday to clear the road and restore traffic flow.
One of the truck drivers involved in the accident shared his terrifying experience with iNews. “As soon as I entered the smoke, I couldn’t see anything. The next thing I knew, there was another truck right in front of me, and I had no time to stop,” he recounted. Fearing for his life due to the poor visibility and potential for further collisions, he quickly exited his truck and moved to the side of the road. “While I was trying to get to safety, I heard someone screaming for help. It was coming from one of the trucks that had caught fire, but by then, the flames were so intense that there was nothing I could do,” he explained, clearly shaken by the event.
This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by veld fires, especially under extreme weather conditions. The authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution and be vigilant when driving in areas affected by such fires.
Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragic accident.
