Oshoek Border remains closed after massive truck crash
The Border Management Authority (BMA) and South African Revenue Service (SARS) have temporarily halted operations at the Oshoek Port of Entry with Eswatini following a serious accident involving a 32-ton coal truck on Sunday morning.
The truck reportedly suffered brake failure and careened down the departure side of the port into Eswatini, colliding with 10 stationary private vehicles including four SARS vehicles and an SANDF bakkie, causing significant damage.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato explained that, as a precautionary measure, all operations at the port have been suspended to allow the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct investigations and gather evidence and photos from the scene.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Communication and Marketing at the BMA, Mmemme Mogotsi, says three individuals, including one SARS official, one tourism monitor and the truck driver, sustained injuries during the incident.
All were promptly treated by Eswatini Emergency Medical Services and transported to a local hospital.
The port’s infrastructure was also affected, with two guardhouses and an inspection shelter suffering severe damage.
"Pending the safety assessments by Disaster Management teams, the operations at the port will continue to be suspended until the necessary clearance has been issued to ensure the safety of all stakeholders", says Mogotsi.
Travelers and cargo transporters are advised to use alternative ports of entry, including Nerston, Mahamba, Jeppes Reef, and Lebombo Ports of Entry.
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