2013 Pinetown crash

On September 5, 2013, an articulated truck drove through a red light at high speed, killing 26 people (later becoming 27) and injuring at least 80,[1] in Pinetown, South Africa. After a light turned green at the junction of Richmond/Josiah Gumede Roads, several vehicles (including taxis full of home-bound commuters) began advancing and were struck side-on moments later by a truck careening down Fields Hill. The driver maintained that the brakes had failed as it descended the notorious hill approaching the intersection. The crash was filmed by the dashcam of a vehicle that had been waiting for the light to turn green.[1] Another angle was also captured on a security camera.

Pinetown truck accident 2013
Details
Date5 September 2013
LocationPinetown, South Africa
Statistics
Deaths27
InjuredAt least 80

Aftermath

The incident provoked a statement from the acting President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, who expressed grief and emphasized the need for mindfulness when driving: "The loss of such a high number of people, some of them breadwinners, is painful and has affected so many households negatively. We urge road users, especially drivers, to exercise caution on the roads especially when carrying passengers."[1]

After the crash, it was reported that the truck's license had recently expired.[2] Subsequently, the driver Sanele Goodness May, a 23-year-old citizen from Swaziland was taken to court under multiple charges including homicide and reckless driving.[3] He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 8 years.[4]

Local City Councillor Rick Crouch has been vocal about the Provincial Government's failure in stopping the carnage on Fields Hill, going as far as accusing the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Willies Mchunu of practicing "tombstone legislation".[5] Councillor Rick Crouch, has been campaigning for stricter rules for trucks on Fields Hill.[6]

References
  1. Pinetown Accident Death Toll Rises To 27 As Horrifying Crash Footage Emerges, Huffington Post, September 6, 2013
  2. "Field's Hill truck's licence had expired". IOL. 6 September 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  3. "Pinetown truck driver in court". TimesLIVE. 9 September 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  4. "Pinetown truck driver sentenced to 8 years". TheCitizen. 28 November 2014. Archived from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 6 April 2016.
  5. "VIDEO: Councillor on Fields Hill truck restrictions". East Coast Radio. 5 September 2014. Archived from the original on 2015-01-19. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  6. "Hill of horrors claims more lives". Independent on Saturday. 29 November 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2014.

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