A devastating road accident involving two heavy-duty trucks has brought traffic to a complete standstill on the R31 between Barkley West and Koopmansfontein in the Northern Cape. The serious collision, which occurred on Friday afternoon, December 12, 2025, resulted in the full closure of the busy route as emergency services and recovery teams rushed to the scene.
According to eyewitness accounts from truck drivers who arrived shortly after the crash, the two side tipper trucks were involved in a violent head-on collision. The impact was severe, leaving both vehicles extensively damaged and strewn across the roadway. Debris from the wreckage reportedly covers large portions of the road, making it impossible for vehicles to pass in either direction.
Motorists caught near the scene described a chaotic situation as traffic quickly backed up on both sides of the highway. Authorities were forced to shut down the road completely to allow emergency responders and breakdown teams to access the site safely. At the time of reporting, traffic remained at a standstill, with no immediate indication of when the road might reopen.
Unconfirmed reports from drivers on the scene suggest that at least one truck driver may have lost their life in the crash. However, police and emergency services have not yet officially confirmed any fatalities. Rescue teams were still working to gain access to the severely mangled truck cabs, making it difficult to establish the full extent of injuries or possible loss of life.
Emergency responders faced challenges due to the scale of the damage and limited visibility inside the wrecked vehicles. As a result, authorities have urged the public to exercise patience while investigations and rescue operations continue. Officials are expected to release more information once the scene has been fully assessed and all victims accounted for.
The R31 is a key transport corridor in the Northern Cape, frequently used by heavy vehicles transporting goods across the region. The closure has caused significant disruption, particularly for long-haul truck drivers and motorists relying on the route for travel between Barkley West and surrounding areas. Road users are strongly advised to delay their journeys or make use of alternative routes until further notice.
Recovery operations are expected to take several hours, as heavy machinery will be required to remove the damaged trucks and clear debris from the roadway. Authorities have also indicated that a full investigation into the cause of the collision will be conducted once the scene is secured.
This incident comes amid growing concerns over road safety involving heavy vehicles on South Africa’s major routes. Recent accidents across the country have highlighted the dangers faced by truck drivers and other motorists alike.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available regarding injuries, fatalities, and the reopening of the R31.
About the Author
