Staff writer
TRAFFIC on several city roads was gridlocked for hours yesterday after a truck went off a bridge and came to halt on the N1 at the N1 Koeberg interchange.
Two men were slightly injured, while motorists were held up for hours as they attempted to reach the city centre. Vehicles stuck in the traffic included a tow truck dispatched to remove the stationary truck.
City traffic spokesman Richard Coleman said while the N1 incoming lanes were closed, traffic was directed to the N2 via the M5 for motorists to get back into town.
He added that even the tow truck was held up in traffic as it attempted to reach the truck, which had breached the bridge barrier and ended up on the embankment below.
ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said: “Two men were injured this morning after their truck drove off the bridge at the N1 Koeberg interchange in Cape Town.
“ER24 paramedics, as well as other services, arrived on the scene and found the large truck up against the embankment, blocking two of the lanes.”
Meiring said both occupants of the truck had climbed out of the vehicle.
“Paramedics began treating both for moderate injuries, while Metro Rescue and Fire services began stabilising the truck,” he added.
After being treated on the scene, the men were taken to Vincent Palotti Hospital for further treatment.
Rescue services were on the scene to ensure the safety of all as well as the stabilising the heavy truck.
The cause of the collision is not yet known, but local authorities are conducting further investigations, Meiring said.