According to the investigation officer, Detective Warrant Officer J.D Engelbrecht from Rouxville SAPS, it is only the truck driver who lost his life at about eleven o’ clock last night. The passenger in the truck was not admitted at the hospital since he sustained minor injuries on his leg.

“It is a very unfortunate situation that road users find themselves in, but l believe the engineers will work speedily to replace the damaged steel structures. Well l do not know the length of time it will take for the bridge to be used but it is closed so far and is only accessed by passengers who use the bridge on a daily basis.” remarked Warrant Officer Engelbrecht.

The engineers who flew from Pretoria to assess the damage caused arrived early on Sunday morning and could not exactly tell how long the bridge will be closed. “The bridge could be closed for approximately two to six months depending on the severity of the damage that has been caused, and the work that needs to be done to replace the damaged main members supporting the steel pillars. For now we will have to analyze the wreckage and see what to do thereafter,” said Mr Edwin Kruger, and engineer from the South African National Roads Agency (LTD) in Pretoria.

Mr Kruger confirmed that the damage could cost around R5-6 million to repair the damaged steel structures. He also revealed that they are contemplating using other alternative ways to that would assist the plight of road users and business people to try to arrest the unfortunate situation. “We will see if we can’t use the bridge as a one way traffic so as to ease access of motorists into and out of the Eastern Cape,” he confirmed.

Road users are requested to use alternative routes into and out of the Eastern Cape. Maletswai Municipal Local Council regrets this unfortunate incident and apologizes to all affected parties for the inconvenience caused. Meanwhile the owners of the damaged truck could not be reached for interviews at the time of going to press.

For further information and latest developments on the story please contact Bishop George,
Head of Communications - Maletswai Local Municipality at 051 633 2617 or 082 825 7029.
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / Web: www.maletswai.gov.za