Traffic on the N2 at Sir Lowry’s Pass came to a standstill today following a devastating collision between a container truck and a livestock trailer carrying 200 pigs. The scene was grim – injured pigs and carcasses lay in the road and smoke billowed from a burning vehicle on a nearby embankment. Responding swiftly to the crisis, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and 3 other Cape Animal Welfare Forum member organisations leapt into action.
The Incident
The collision left a partially crushed livestock trailer at a standstill in the middle of the road, obstructing traffic. Meanwhile, the flatbed truck had veered off the road, toppled its container, and caught fire. Amidst the wreckage, four pigs were found dead, and two others had to be humanely euthanised due to the severity of their injuries.
“It was a scene of unimaginable distress,” shared Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse of the SPCA. “But despite the chaos, the collaborative efforts of animal rescue teams, emergency services, and law enforcement made a significant difference.”
Special thanks go to the City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue, who worked tirelessly to cool the pigs on the trailer by spraying them with water to alleviate their suffering in the sweltering heat. Law enforcement teams, including Traffic, Metro Police, and Provincial Traffic, provided essential support to manage the scene.
Animal Rescue in Action
Inspectors from the SPCA, along with teams from the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) Helderberg, AWS Grabouw, and Glen Graze, assessed the animals both on the trailer and in the road. AWS responders were the first to arrive, sedating the two critically injured pigs until SPCA Inspectors could take over. In the face of this disaster, the unified response showed the value of teamwork in action.
“This was definitely not a good day at the office, but the immediate response from animal rescue organisations, City Fire & Rescue, and law enforcement saved the day. We’re thankful for the compassion and commitment we all share for animals which was very apparent today. Nobody saw just a pig in the road, even if their role was limited to public safety or human rescue ”.
A Call for Ongoing Support
Our Inspectors need continued support to remain ready for emergencies like these. Donations can be made online to help fund the vital resources and ensure swift responses required during disasters that impact animals too.