A 23-year-old motorcyclist tragically lost his life on Thursday evening after colliding with a heavy-duty truck on the R102 near Maidstone.

The fatal accident occurred just before 6.30pm, when the biker allegedly attempted to overtake the truck, which was heading towards Ballito.

The two vehicles collided and the articulated vehicle jackknifed as the driver attempted to stop abruptly.

A Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) officer, returning from an unrelated callout, was among the first responders.

The motorcyclist was found several metres away on the grass verge, having suffered fatal injuries.

Paramedics arrived shortly after but declared him deceased at the scene. The truck driver was unharmed.

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RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram expressed deep concern over the rising number of motorbike accidents in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly along the North Coast.

“We deal with motorbike accidents regularly, but the increased number of accidents has become a major concern,” said Balram.

He urged bikers to exercise caution around heavy vehicles and adhere strictly to the Road Traffic Act of 1998.

Balram highlighted several risky behaviours contributing to these incidents, including overtaking on the left, riding in emergency lanes and stopping too close to trucks at intersections and offramps.

“We advise bikers to be careful when overtaking. Do not overtake on the left of heavy motor vehicles because the drivers cannot see you!” he warned.

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