*Graphic content warning: Not for sensitive viewers.

One occupant of a cash-in-transit (CIT) vehicle lost his life on impact following a crash on the R40 near Riverside Mall in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on April 3.

Lowvelder reports that the driver and another guard suffered serious injuries and were trapped in the wreckage, requiring emergency responders to use the Jaws of Life to extract them before they could receive medical attention and be transported to hospital.

The accident caused significant traffic disruptions, with authorities taking over five hours to clear the scene. Motorists traveling from White River to Mbombela faced severe delays as emergency crews worked to recover the wreckage.

A dashcam video of the crash has since surfaced, capturing the moment an SBV vehicle collided with the back of an articulated truck at approximately 06:00. The footage depicts the SBV vehicle driving directly into the back of a slow-moving truck, resulting in a violent impact that shattered its windscreen and windows. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

SBV Services’ group CEO Mark Barrett expressed deep sorrow over the loss of an employee. “I am deeply saddened that one of our employees has passed away as a result of this accident. On behalf of everyone at SBV, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues,” said Barrett. The man’s identity was not yet known by the time of publishing.

He emphasises that the company is in close contact with the deceased’s family, offering full support during this difficult time. Barrett also wished the injured a swift recovery. “Our thoughts are with our team members and their families as they cope with the trauma of this accident. We wish the injured a speedy and full recovery. As a responsible company, we take this matter seriously and are fully co-operating with authorities during their investigation.”

He further extended gratitude to the medical and emergency response teams, as well as the authorities who worked tirelessly to assist the injured. Additionally, he commended SBV Nelspruit Centre’s operations, risk management, and senior leadership teams for their prompt response and assistance at the accident scene.

Moeti Mmusi, spokesperson for the provincial Department of Community Safety, Security, and Liaison, confirmed that investigations into the exact cause of the accident are ongoing.

He noted that the R40 is regarded as a high-risk road with frequent accidents. “For this reason, we have planned to deploy additional traffic officers along this route, especially as we head into the Easter holidays.

“Just last week, an accident involving two articulated trucks occurred on the same road, just past Dwarsloop, toward Acornhoek. One of the drivers lost his life in that incident.”

*Graphic content warning: Not for sensitive viewers.

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