A truck (with horse and jointed trailers) transporting large volumes of food, en-route to the Eastern Cape, overturned on the N2, west of the White Bridge outside Knysna, spilling its load onto the road.
Traffic was reportedly backed up on both sides of the accident, as the Knysna Municipal Traffic Department assisted with the regulation of traffic while authorities managed the scene.
The Knysna Fire Department was at the scene in case of fire and also to assist the Eden District Municipality Health Department in containing the diesel spillage.
The truck, belonging to Cape Waste Paper, had been sub-contracted to transport ood from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape. According to Hennie Fourie, spokesperson for Cape Waste Paper, a motorist travelling behind the truck at time of the accident reported that the driver had swerved to avoid hitting a buck. "The driver and the passenger were both taken to the hospital for assessment. Fortunately they are fine," he explained.
Knysna Municipality and Eden District Municipality officials were at the scene to "assist in securing the scene", according to Knysna’s acting municipality manager, Lauren Waring. Knysna municipal director of Community Services and Housing, Charl Botha, was present at the scene. "Mr Botha visits serious incidents to assess the situation in order to accurately report to the office of the municipal manager and to ensure that the proper municipal emergency services are on scene, rendering the required support," explained Waring.
According to Rochelle Louw, Eden District Municipality’s acting manager of Communications and Public Relations, the Eden Health Department had been alerted of the accident, "The municipal health section ensured that no environmental pollution occurred at the accident site (eg diesel spillage into the stormwater/ estuary) and furthermore ensured that food products that were transported by the truck were removed, transported and stored under supervision of the health section."
Louw explained that the load was moved to an "identified venue for condemnation purposes and will be declared unfit/ fit for human consumption, thereafter."
Scores of people were seen scooping up the food and making off with plastic bags filled to the brim. It was also alleged that members of the SAPS were seen taking some of the food for themselves. "Members of the SAPS are urged not to make themselves guilty of any criminal offences, as they will be investigated and will face criminal as well as departmental steps which can lead to dismissal," explained a Knysna SAPS communication official. The spokesperson further urged members of the public who may have photographs or further information regarding SAPS members taking "groceries that were lying on the road and also from the truck" to submit these to the station commander, Colonel Nolan Michaels, in order for him to investigate these allegations."
According to Fourie the truck has been towed to Cape Town where the insurance company will assess the damage.
The SAPS did not indicated whether a case had been opened against the driver.
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This man was spotted collecting cat food at the scene of an accident on the N2.
(Photo: Elle Photography.)
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
