Truck overturns on Frere Road
A truck driver attempted to make his way up Frere Hill on Wednesday afternoon on his way to the harbour, but lost control of the vehicle which overturned and blocked the road for hours.
FRERE Road was blocked on Wednesday afternoon after a truck and trailer overturned. Resident, Peter de Groot said according to witnesses at about 4.10pm on 17 September, the driver of the truck had just finished reporting an accident at the Umbilo Police station and decided to continue towards the harbour by travelling south along Frere Road and up the infamous Frere Hill.
Once committed and focusing on getting to the top of the hill the driver didn’t notice the low hanging tree branches which collided with the cab of the truck resulting in serious damage.
De Groot said a branch also broke off and fell in front of the truck obstructing it. The driver stopped the truck, got out and moved the branch to the side of the road. He then attempted to continue on his way but the 350 000 weight of full load of export oranges pulled the truck back down the hill and the driver lost control of the heavy vehicle.
The trailer ended up colliding with the NGK Church entrance and the container fell off the trailer and blocked the road completely.
The driver suffered injuries and was taken to King Edward Hospital. The breakdowns arrived soon after and removed the horse and trailer after which they righted the container in an effort to move it. At 6.30pm the road was still blocked.
