A devastating accident occurred on Kloof Nek Road in Cape Town on Thursday night when a cement truck lost control while descending the steep incline, colliding with approximately 17 vehicles before crashing into a building.
Story Summary:
- A cement truck lost control on Kloof Nek Road, crashing into 17 vehicles and injuring 10 people.
- Several buildings and installations were damaged, causing power outages in the area.
- This incident is similar to a truck accident that occurred in the same location a year ago.
Kloof Nek accident: Here’s everything we know
The incident, which happened around 18:40, left at least 10 people injured and caused significant damage to the area, including power outages in Tamboerskloof.
According to eyewitnesses, the truck appeared to be speeding as it came down the hill, seemingly unable to stop.
One witness described it as “flying down at an amazing speed, taking cars with it as it was going down the hill.”
As a result of the crash, paramedics treated multiple people on the scene, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals.
The cement truck ultimately came to a halt after smashing into a newly opened ice cream shop, causing extensive damage.
Power and communication installations were affected, plunging parts of Tamboerskloof into darkness, while Kloof Nek Road was closed between Upper Union and Burnside Road.
Kloof Nek Road is known for its steep gradient, making it particularly dangerous for trucks carrying heavy loads.
The incline demands that drivers maintain control of their speed and apply brakes effectively, as any loss of control can result in catastrophic consequences, as seen in this recent incident.
Heavy vehicles like cement trucks possess significant momentum, especially when travelling downhill.
The weight of the truck combined with the steepness of Kloof Nek Road can lead to brake failure or difficulty in stopping, making such accidents almost inevitable if precautions are not taken.
This accident mirrors a similar incident that occurred nearly a year ago when a 24-wheeler truck lost control while descending Kloof Nek Road.
The crash injured six people, including former Miss South Africa, Cindy Nell-Roberts, and resulted in extensive damage to vehicles and properties.
