A volumetric vehicle left its plant after loading with material, the exact weight of the load had not been recorded on exit.
The driver slowed down as he approached a roundabout in the first lane, as he entered the roundabout, he accelerated to continue on the main road at the second exit. As the vehicle passed the 1st exit and continued to steer around the roundabout, the rear right wheels lifted. This action made the chassis flex and caused the metro flow tank at the rear of the vehicle to lean. This caused the load to shift which resulted in the vehicle toppling over. The vehicle fell onto the passenger side. No other vehicles were involved.
The driver was taken to hospital by ambulance, once assessed he was released with only bruising and a pain in his right leg. The lack of any major injuries was due to the driver wearing his seatbelt. The vehicle was recovered to the depot for assessment of damage.
Immediate action taken after incident
- The driver was assisted by other drivers who climbed onto the driver’s door and opened it. Once the seat belt was released, he was assisted out of the vehicle and climbed down.
- A paramedic vehicle was about to enter the roundabout approximately 3 cars behind and witnessed the incident, they immediately treated the driver and called for an ambulance and the police.
- SHEQ Manager, Transport Compliance Manager and Workshop Manager on scene 15 minutes after being notified by a driver at the weighbridge window of the incident.
- The police carried out D&A testing with negative results and specialist traffic officers downloaded the tacho information at the scene.