An unknown number of people were injured when multiple vehicles collided after cement pallets fell off a truck along the R538 between White River and Hazyview on the morning of May 7.

The articulated truck was travelling from south to north near the eNsumbeni descent towards Mganduzweni and was negotiating a sharp curve around 07:15 when part of its load fell onto the road, obstructing traffic.

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A brown VW Polo travelling in the opposite direction was the first to collide with the fallen pallets, creating a large cloud of cement dust.

Another vehicle travelling from White River towards Hazyview stopped suddenly to avoid the debris, and a third vehicle collided with it from behind.

When Lowvelder arrived at the scene around 07:30, emergency services were still en route.

The road was partially closed, leading to long queues of vehicles in both directions.

Motorists were advised to use the R40 as an alternative route.

“We have received information about the accident and are awaiting further details. Our officials have been dispatched to the scene. We are not yet certain how many people were injured,” said Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson Moeti Mmusi.

Ambulances are said to have since transported the injured to a nearby hospital.