N3 accident claims two lives

A collision on the N3 highway between the R23 Benoni Road and Jacobs Street off-ramp around 4.30am this morning has claimed two lives along with countless chicks that were in transit.

One bakkie, three trucks and a passenger vehicle were involved in the accident.

The first collision took place on the N3 south, where it appears a bakkie collided with a truck, blocking off the road.
According to information, a second truck with a load of alcohol then collided with the bakkie, where it burst over the barrier and ended up in front of oncoming traffic.

Here the truck collided directly with the front passenger vehicle, resulting in the death of the driver of that vehicle.

The driver of an Eagle Pride Hatchery truck also tried to avoid the accident, heading south on the highway and lost control of his truck, which landed on its roof.

About 40 000 chicks were being transported.

The driver survived the accident and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Members of Heidelberg SPCA, along with Boksburg SPCA and NSPCA, assisted at the scene to try to rescue as many chicks as possible that were trapped inside and under the truck.

Countless chicks had already perished by the time the various teams came to their rescue.

Members of Heidelberg SAPS, CPF, the fire brigade and emergency services as well as other role players blocked off the highway and diverted traffic through Heidelberg town to the R23 past Overkruin, back to the N3.

It is not clear at this time when the highway will be reopened to traffic.

Several forensic teams and SAPS photographers were still on scene around noon.

Motorists are being urged to use alternative routes until at least 3pm today.

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