THE incident in which a 32-year-old male's vehicle veered off Chapman’s Peak was not due to police pursuit.
In the early hours on Monday, NSRI Hout Bay were called to assist the SAPS, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, Western Cape Government Health EMS and CMR (Cape Medical Response) responding to the scene where the vehicle had been witnessed plummeting down the peak on the Hout Bay side.
The incident occurred while the driver was allegedly fleeing from the toll booth after refusing to pay the fee.
Police spokesperson André Traut confirmed the incident was under investigation. “(The) circumstances surrounding the vehicle accident are being investigated after a Toyota Etios drove off Chapman’s Peak this morning (yesterday). This office cannot confirm the allegation that the driver failed to pay toll fees and he was not pursued by SAPS.”
He confirmed the driver suffered injuries and was admitted to hospital.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said on arrival at the scene rescuers could not determine the location of the vehicle as it could not be seen over the steep cliff face.
“NSRI Hout Bay duty crew launched the sea rescue craft Albie Matthews. Chapman's Peak Drive was closed to traffic during the rescue operation. Rescue swimmers were deployed from the sea rescue craft on to the shoreline, where they located the vehicle approximately 50m from the water's edge,” said Lambinon.
He said there were no other occupants inside the vehicle.
“During an ongoing search a male was located by the NSRI rescue swimmers, approximately a third of the way from the roadside. It's believed he had been ejected from the vehicle as it rolled over the rough terrain and down the mountainside.
"The man was found to be conscious and in a stable condition, but suffering head injuries and cuts and bruises,” said Lambinon.
“EMS rescue paramedics descended to the scene from the roadway, using high-angle safety ropes and rigging, and the man was treated.
"He was secured to a specialised stretcher and hoisted to the roadway by the Skymed rescue helicopter.
"He has since been transported to hospital by EMS ambulance and is in a stable condition,” said Lambinon.