The JB Marks Local Municipality has clarified that a taxi driver who crashed into a massive excavation in Ikageng on Tuesday was taking evasive action to avoid an oncoming vehicle, reports Potchefstroom Herald.

While social media reports from concerned residents initially blamed a lack of safety markers, municipal officials have confirmed that the necessary warning signs were in place at the Lekhele Street site during the incident.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 05:30 during the Tuesday morning peak hour, drew a large crowd of onlookers. Residents quickly took to social media to raise concerns about the safety of local construction sites, alleging that the gaping cavity lacked adequate warnings or barriers.

However, JB Marks municipal spokesperson Jeanette Tshite stated that a report from the traffic department tells a different story. According to the report, the driver was forced to take sudden evasive action to avoid a collision with another vehicle, which resulted in the taxi landing in the trench.

“At the time of the incident, the driver was the sole occupant of the taxi. Fortunately, he did not sustain any injuries,” Tshite confirmed.

The recovery operation required heavy machinery to stabilise the surrounding ground before the trapped vehicle could be lifted from the cavity.

Tshite further noted that traffic officers on the scene verified that warning signs were indeed present. The municipality has urged motorists to remain cautious when navigating areas with active roadworks, despite the presence of safety protocols.

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