DURBAN — A truck was looted after brake failure in Durban early yesterday morning, following a dramatic overturn near the N2 highway that drew a large crowd and required immediate emergency intervention.
The incident unfolded on a downhill stretch near Booth Road, heading towards the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal. According to reports, the truck’s brakes failed at the top of the hill. In a bid to prevent a worse catastrophe, the truck driver swerved through active traffic in an utmost effort to avoid other vehicles on the road.
Despite these evasive maneuvers, the truck struck a light vehicle before overturning and coming to rest on its side approximately 400 to 500 meters down the road, near the Pavilion Mall.
ALS paramedics arrived shortly after the crash to assess the scene. They treated both the truck driver and the driver of the light vehicle for minor injuries sustained during the collision.
However, the aftermath of the crash quickly escalated into a public order issue. Eyewitnesses reported that a large crowd rapidly gathered around the overturned vehicle, beginning to loot its contents. The Durban Metro Police responded to the scene and initially succeeded in dispersing the crowd.
Nevertheless, representatives from the Durban Metro Police noted that once law enforcement cleared the immediate scene, individuals from the nearby community returned and took advantage of the situation, making off with the remaining cargo items.
Authorities continue to monitor the area as investigations into the crash and the subsequent looting remain ongoing. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when traveling near the N2 and Booth Road intersection while recovery operations are completed.
