Police investigate culpable homicide after tragic crash at Chapman’s Peak

A 47-year-old man has died after his vehicle plunged down a cliff at Chapman’s Peak Drive on Sunday morning, police have confirmed.

The crash occurred at about 9am on the Noordhoek side of Chapman’s Peak Drive, when a hatchback left the roadway and came to rest on rocks along the shoreline.

Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk said Fish Hoek police initially registered a case of reckless and negligent driving.

“A 47-year-old person sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital for treatment. He later died in hospital due to injuries sustained,” Van Wyk said.

“As a result, the case was changed to culpable homicide for further investigation. Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation.”

Emergency services responded to the scene after reports that a vehicle had gone over the edge of the roadway, with initial uncertainty over whether it had entered the water.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Hout Bay launched rescue craft, while three rescue swimmers were deployed to reach the vehicle, which was found resting on rocks at the base of the cliff as the tide was going out. The driver was trapped inside the car and received medical care at the scene.

Rescue technicians and extrication equipment were airlifted in by the EMS/AMS Skymed helicopter. The driver was freed, stabilised, and airlifted to a landing zone in Noordhoek before being transported by ambulance to hospital in a critical condition.

Two members of the public who had climbed down the cliff to assist were also attended to, with one treated for minor injuries and another — a cyclist — airlifted back to the roadway.

Chapman’s Peak Drive was closed to traffic during the rescue operation.

Police said investigations into the circumstances of the crash are continuing.

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Cape Argus