Authorities to Review Safety After Chapman’s Peak Off-Road Incident

South African Authorities are expected to review safety conditions along Chapman’s Peak Drive after a vehicle went off the road on the seaside of the pass on Sunday, prompting an emergency response and a temporary closure of the route. No fatalities were reported, and the road later reopened to traffic as reported by IOL .

Motorists first experienced delays at both entry and exit points while the scene was assessed. The route was subsequently closed, with drivers advised to use alternative roads until emergency services completed their work and the area was deemed safe.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Emergency Medical Services (EMS) said rescue teams responded earlier in the day. EMS spokesperson Simoney Regter confirmed that one patient was extracted by rescue teams and transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care, while a second person was assessed and treated at the scene.

While the circumstances of Sunday’s incident were not detailed in the response, the sequence assessment, closure, extraction and reopening reflects standard risk controls used on steep, exposed mountain passes where emergency access and roadside stability can be limiting factors.

Chapman’s Peak Drive has previously been the site of severe off-road crashes.

The route’s history includes a fatal incident in March 2021, and a major rescue operation in April 2023 when a vehicle rolled down a steep slope and required specialist extraction. Beyond vehicle incidents, the pass has also been linked to serious collisions involving cyclists, including a tour bus crash reported in August 2025 that resulted in fatalities and serious injuries.

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A safety review following Sunday’s incident would typically focus on immediate operational factors: the condition of barriers and pull-off areas, visibility and signage at high-risk points, and whether any additional controls are needed during peak traffic periods.

Public updates on such measures, where issued, are commonly communicated through official channels, including provincial emergency services information pages such as the Western Cape Government’s emergency services portal.

Source: IOL