Update:
According to Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, SAPS Western Cape spokesperson, Philadelphia Police have opened a culpable homicide docket for further investigation.
A preliminary investigation suggests that the driver of a truck lost control on Occultdale Road near Philadelphia while he was transporting seasonal workers from Wellington to Philadelphia at around 7am this morning.
‘The truck overturned during which three people succumbed to injury and a total of 58 passengers were transported to various hospitals in the region to receive medical treatment. Two of the injured were in serious condition and were airlifted.’
Pojie says the remainder of a total of 70 people were treated on-site.
The Western Cape Mobility and Agriculture ministers, Ricardo Mackenzie and Ivan Meyer, released a statement expressing their condolences.
Minister Meyer urged for the safe transportation of farm workers and a thorough probe into the accident.
‘I am calling on farmers and producers who are transporting agri-workers to ensure the safety of their vehicles and the transportation of their workers. Agri-workers are the key to the Western Cape’s agricultural sector. I am also calling for a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the deaths and injuries of farm workers. My sincere condolences go to the families and friends of the workers who have been affected by this tragic accident,’ he said.
Minister Mackenzie lamented the incident, emphasising efforts to improve road safety and calling for collective action to prevent future fatalities, especially during the busy holiday season.
‘It has been almost two weeks since our Festive Season Road Safety Plan launch, and the results thus far are not good when it comes to crashes and fatalities. We need an almighty, collective effort to turn this situation around before the busiest travel period starts. There are close to 600 Provincial Traffic Officers deployed across the Western Cape during this period, with a comprehensive programme of operations targeting speeding, drunk driving, fatigue, seatbelt use, and other critical road use actions that can make the difference between life and death. There will be serious consequences for those flouting the rules of the road and putting lives at risk,’ he said.
At least three people were killed and dozens more were injured in a horrific truck accident earlier this morning.
Also read: Woman robbed, shot and pushed from e-hailing vehicle in Kenilworth
While information regarding the incident remains sparse, the latest reports from the scene indicate that at least 30 people were injured and three lost their lives.
It is believed that a truck overturned, rolling several times on Occultdale Road in the direction of Malmesbury, near Philadelphia Farmland.
This is a developing story.
Also read:
CoCT says drivers continue to rack up fines despite roadshow
Picture: Supplied / One-Way Towing