Fatal Nquthu crash truck driver faces drunk driving charge
Police confirmed the driver's blood tested positive for high levels of alcohol
THE truck driver involved in the Nquthu crash in which eight people were killed on Sunday, will face eight charges of culpable homicide as well as a charge of drinking and driving.
This after police confirmed that his blood tested positive for high levels of alcohol.
The crash occurred on Sunday afternoon when the truck, carrying more than 70 people, overturned near Nquthu after the driver failed to negotiate a bend on a well-maintained gravel road.
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It is alleged the driver tried to run away from the scene but was apprehended by members of the community.
Preliminary checks by police found all necessary certification for the truck to be on the road were in order.
On Monday members of the Department of Transport, led by the Acting Head of the department, Glen Xaba, visited the crash scene and inspected the wreckage.
Some officials met with the families of the deceased to help with funeral arrangements.
KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, has urged motorists, passengers and pedestrians to abide by the rules of the road ahead of the festive season.
‘It is unfortunate that in one day (Sunday) we lost 13 people through completely avoidable road accidents.’
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He urged law enforcement agencies to conduct full investigations into all accidents and bring those responsible to book.
As the festive season approaches, Kaunda said the department would go all out to create road safety awareness and conduct law enforcement operations, specifically focusing on drinking and driving, the roadworthiness of vehicles, unlicensed drivers and speeding.
