Bulembu Pass claims another life

BABERTON – On Saturday just after 13:00 the driver of a truck with a North-West registration, transporting a loader and backactor, lost control of the vehicle and it plunged down the steep mountainside.

Although rescue workers were quick to respond, nothing could be done for the driver as he probably died on impact. The reading on the speedometer was 120km/h. According to Barberton EMS, if this were the actual speed at which the truck was moving down the steep pass with all its near-hairpin bends, it is highly unlikely that the driver would have managed to retain control of the vehicle.

A Lowveld Media reporter, accompanied by a traffic official, visited the scene. On closer inspection it appeared as if the nightmare began when the truck hit a deep pothole (approximately four square metres) further up the road. From there it could clearly be seen that the truck smashed into the side of the mountain, managed to get back onto the road and hit the mountain a few more times before hitting a steel pole right on the edge of the abyss, before the driver, identified as PJ Kotze, plunged to his death.

Taking into account the heavy flow of traffic making use of this pass, one has to ask the questions, “What is being done to repair these potholes?” and “Who is responsible for the maintenance of this road?”

The present condition of this road would most definitely be life threatening to any motorist. Heavy vehicles making use of Bulembu Pass should take special care to stay well within the speed limit and avoid travelling after sunset.