Driver behind M41 multi-vehicle pile-up in Umhlanga on the run

Driver behind M41 multi-vehicle pile-up in Umhlanga on the run

Durban police are trying to track down the driver of the tipper truck that caused a multi-vehicle pile-up in Umhlanga.

Pregnant woman airlifted from M41 crash scene
Lauren Beukes

The truck crashed into at least 47 stationary vehicles on the M4 on Monday morning, leaving behind a long trail of wrecked cars on the route near the M4. 


The driver is believed to have lost control and smashed into slowing-moving traffic near the M4 freeway onramp.


Fifteen people were hurt, including a pregnant woman who had to be airlifted to hospital.


"Durban North police are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving. Reports indicate that the driver of the truck has not been located as yet," says KZN SAPS spokesperson Thenjiswa Ngcobo.  


READ: ‘I saw my life flashing in front of my eyes’ – Durban motorists relive massive pile-up on M41


The KZN Department of Transport says if the tipper truck involved in Monday's devastating collision in Umhlanga is found to be unroadworthy, charges will also be brought against the vehicle's owner. 


MEC Sipho Hlomuka says they'll look into allegations of total brake failure. 


"The sooner we finalise the investigation the better, because as much as trucks are allowed to use national roads, sometimes they use our provincial and local delivery services. That's why we need to understand why did the driver use the M41 so that we understand the rationale." 

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