On the rails again

Thabazimbi – Yet another truck accident at the infamous T-junction at Total Garage on the R510, on Thursday 29 September. 

Nason Mwape, a 42-year-old truck driver was on his way to Johannesburg. Despite all his efforts, he was unsuccessful in bringing the truck to a standstill as he approached the T-junction. 

He went straight over the T-junction (with out-of-order traffic lights). The momentum and the sheer weight of the truck pushed it up the embankment. The truck, like many trucks before, came a standstill on the railway line. 

“What if?” comes to mind. He was very fortunate to have survived this accident, and that he did not hit another vehicle. Moreover, he was very lucky that there wasn’t a train on the railway at that moment in time. 

Although the driver did not sustain any serious injuries, he sustained some lacerations and complained of a headache. 

Platinum Bushvelder has reported on numerous accidents at this very spot over the years. The road leading to this T-junction takes serious negotiating, especially if a truck is carrying a heavy load. Sometimes drivers who don’t know this treacherous piece of road, often misjudge it.  

Thaba Fire and Rescue’s Pierre Loots has pleaded with the Thabazimbi Local Municipality and SANRAL to erect a sandpit next to the road for the trucks as an additional break to avoid a collision at the T-Junction. 

“What if a bus passed the intersection at the same time? There are so many dangers to consider, and I think that it’s time this issue gets taken seriously,” he said in an interview with Platinum Bushvelder newspaper.

Thabazimbi’s Traffic Department acting traffic manager Isaac Pheto added: “We urge the community to follow the protocol and rules of the road, they also need to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy.”

#FosteringASenseOfCommunity