Earlier today, a serious crash on the N2 Sir Lowry’s Pass near Gordon’s Bay resulted in injuries to two truck drivers, the deaths of two pigs and a major traffic disruption.

At approximately 09:30, a truck carrying fruit was traveling on the N2 highway when it collided with the rear of another truck transporting 200 pigs. According to Western Cape SAPS, the fruit truck was speeding and the driver attempted to brake, but was unable to stop due to brake failure. The impact caused the fruit truck to catch fire.

“The truck with the fruits was traveling too fast. The driver tried to break but the brakes failed and the driver drove into the back of the truck with the pigs. On impact the truck with the fruits rolled down the side of the pass and the container with the fruits broke off from the rest of the truck. The truck then rolled down the slope and started to burn,” said provincial police spokesperson Frederick Van Wyk.

Both truck drivers sustained injuries in the crash and were rushed to a medical facility for treatment. Tragically, the accident also affected the pigs being transported. Four pigs were killed, while two others were critically injured.

ANIMAL SAFETY

“There were four pigs that were found dead at the scene and a further two had to be humanely euthanised due to the extent of their injuries,” the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s Belinda Abraham confirmed.

Abrahams has thanked all role players who responded to the scene.

“We’re so grateful to Animal Welfare Society Helderberg and Animal Welfare Society Grabouw as well as Glenn Grays for working alongside us to help these animals. And (we) give a special thanks to City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue, who assisted with keeping the pigs on the trailer cool in this heat by spraying them with water. We’re equally thankful to law enforcement, traffic, Metro Police and provincial traffic who were all on the scene and assisted.

The collision has caused extensive delays on the busy N2 route, resulting in a significant traffic backlog. By the time of publication, operations were still underway.

“All lanes were reopened besides the left lane direction Grabouw. Recovery is still in process,” said the Western Cape Mobility Department’s Muneera Allie.

ACCIDENT REPORT

While police shared that an Accident Report will be opened, it is still unclear whether the fruit truck driver will be facing any criminal charges.

Data shared by SaferStops Association mentions that heavy vehicles, though making up only 3.3% of registered road users, are responsible for 9.4% of fatal crashes, while 25% of truck drivers have admitted to being involved in accidents due to fatigue.