Oshoek Port of Entry operations suspended after serious truck accident

Oshoek Port of Entry operations suspended after serious truck accident! The Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have announced the temporary suspension of operations at the Oshoek Port of Entry, which connects South Africa and Eswatini.

This decision follows a serious truck accident on Sunday morning that caused significant damage to infrastructure and left three people injured.

Details of the Incident

The accident occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. when a 32-ton coal truck allegedly experienced brake failure as it approached the departure side of the port heading toward Eswatini.

The truck collided with:

• 10 stationary private vehicles
• Four SARS vehicles
• One South African National Defence Force (SANDF) bakkie

The crash caused significant damage, not only to vehicles but also to port infrastructure, including:

• Two guardhouses
• An inspection shelter

Three individuals were injured in the incident:

1. A SARS official
2. A Tourism monitor
3. The truck driver

Emergency medical teams from Eswatini responded promptly, providing first aid and transporting the injured to a hospital in Eswatini for immediate treatment.

Temporary Suspension of Operations

In light of the incident, BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato confirmed the temporary suspension of all operations at the Oshoek Port of Entry to ensure the safety of stakeholders and facilitate investigations.

“As a precautionary measure, all operations at Oshoek Port of Entry have been temporarily suspended to allow for investigations by SAPS and the collection of evidence and photographs from the scene,” said Masiapato.

Additionally, the Disaster Management teams will conduct safety assessments of the affected area. The suspension will remain in place until clearance is issued, ensuring that the port is safe for operations to resume.

Impact on Travellers and Cargo Transporters

The suspension of services at Oshoek has disrupted movement between South Africa and Eswatini, affecting travellers and cargo transporters. The BMA has advised people to use alternative Ports of Entry, including:

• Nerston Port of Entry
• Mahamba Port of Entry
• Jeppes Reef Port of Entry
• Lebombo Port of Entry (connecting South Africa and Mozambique)

Efforts are underway to restore services at the Oshoek Port of Entry as quickly as possible.

Response and Recovery Efforts

The BMA, SARS, and other relevant stakeholders have extended their appreciation to the Eswatini Emergency Medical Services for their swift response to the accident. They also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their cooperation during this challenging time.

Both organizations have wished the injured individuals a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, cleanup and repair efforts at the port are ongoing. Investigators are working alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) to determine the exact cause of the accident and assess the full extent of the damage.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights the importance of safety protocols in high-traffic areas like ports of entry. The crash has not only disrupted cross-border trade and travel but also raised concerns about:

• Vehicle safety standards, especially for large trucks carrying heavy loads
• Infrastructure durability at ports of entry
• Emergency response readiness

The BMA has emphasized its commitment to ensuring safety and minimizing disruptions. This includes conducting thorough safety evaluations and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion

As the Oshoek Port of Entry remains temporarily closed, efforts are focused on investigating the accident, repairing the damage, and ensuring the safety of all stakeholders before operations resume.

The cooperation of travellers, transporters, and affected parties is crucial during this time, as authorities work to restore normalcy at one of the region’s critical border points.

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