Truck Lands in River, Driver Safe

Platinum Bushvelder newspaper | Thabazimbi – An early-morning incident at the Elandskuil Low Water Bridge gave local road users quite a scare on 3 December 2025, when a truck landed in the river shortly after 03:00. According to Pierre Loots, CEO of Thabazimbi Fire and Rescue, the driver misjudged the bend on the approach to the bridge, causing the vehicle to veer off and end up in the water.

Police were the first on the scene, confirming that the driver was safely out of the vehicle before emergency services arrived. 

By 06:00, Thaba Fire and Rescue (TFR) reported that the bridge remained open, but motorists were urged to cross slowly and with caution. Due to unsafe conditions, recovery operations are not advised for any divers at this moment. This incident echoes a previous article reported in the Platinum Bushvelder on 5 April 2025, when another truck encountered trouble at the same low water bridge. On that occasion, high river flow caused by the release of sluice gates at Hartbeespoort Dam rendered the bridge unsafe and completely impassable.

REMINDER

If you commute across Elandskuil Low Water Bridge:

• Reduce speed approaching the curve.
• Do not attempt crossing when water levels rise.
• Never enter river water — even for a rescue attempt.