Truck driver killed after tyre blowout sparks multi-vehicle crash on N1 in Randpark Ridge

A truck driver died and three people in a sedan were injured after a tyre blowout on a Volvo caused a violent collision on the N1 North in Johannesburg, police said.

What happened

The crash occurred on Thursday at about 4:50pm on the N1 North between Beyers Naudé Drive and Malibongwe Drive in Randpark Ridge. According to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), both vehicles were travelling northbound when the incident unfolded.

Sequence of the crash

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the first vehicle, a white Volvo truck, was travelling in the slow lane and the second vehicle, a grey Honda Ballade sedan, was in the lane to its right. “It’s alleged that the Volvo truck suffered a right front tyre blowout, causing the driver to lose control of the heavy vehicle,” Fihla said.

The truck veered across lanes and struck the Honda Ballade, forcing the sedan off the roadway. The Honda collided with a concrete barrier and came to rest on the opposite side of the highway. The Volvo then crashed into the concrete barrier, ejecting its driver from the cabin.

Casualties and emergency response

Fihla said the adult male truck driver sustained fatal injuries at the scene; his body was taken to the Roodepoort Mortuary. The male driver and two male passengers from the Honda Ballade sustained injuries. Emergency medical services (ER24) transported two of the injured occupants to Helen Joseph Hospital and the third passenger to Discovery Clinic for emergency care.

Investigation and aftermath

The JMPD said a case of culpable homicide will be registered at Honeydew SAPS for further investigation. Officers, emergency personnel and towing services cleared the scene the same night and normal traffic flow on the N1 resumed.

Police warning

JMPD has urged motorists to exercise extra caution, maintain safe following distances and carry out regular tyre maintenance checks to help prevent mechanical failures on high-speed roadways.