Durban – A TLB (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe) belonging to eThekwini Municipality was involved in an accident with a Toyota Avanza in the Riet River area of Verulam in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
Reaction Unit South Africa(Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram said when members arrived on the scene just after 1.30pm, they discovered the TLB lying on its side.
Balram said it was believed that the driver of the TLB was travelling downhill when the crash with the motor vehicle occurred.
“He [the TLB driver] sustained moderate injuries and was transported to hospital by ambulance,” Balram said.
He said the occupants of the Toyota Avanza were not injured.
While the roadworthiness of the TLB was called into question at the scene, eThekwini Municipality said the city ensures that both its light and heavy duty vehicles are roadworthy.
Municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela has said under no circumstances does the city allow its employees to use vehicles that may endanger their lives.
“We won't allow our employees to use unroadworthy vehicles that would endanger their lives and those of other road users,” he said.
Mayisela says the city regards the matter as an accident and will let the law take its course.
“With regard to this matter we wish those who have been hospitalised a speedy recovery,” he said.