Car Plunges Off Chapman's Peak Drive Onto Rocks, Rescuers Work to Free Trapped Occupants
- Rescue workers are attempting to free the occupants of a vehicle, which drove off the Noordhoek side of Chapman's Peak Drive
- A helicopter has been brought in to assist with rescue operations after the vehicle crashed on the cracks about 100 metres below
- According to initial reports, three passengers were in the vehicle, but the state of their injuries has not been determined yet
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
WESTERN CAPE – Rescue operations are underway at Chapman’s Peak Drive after a car drove off the road and plunged onto the rocks below.
The incident happened in the morning of 25 January 2026. According to initial reports, the driver allegedly veered off the Noordhoek side of Chapman's Peak Drive, crashing onto the rocks about 100 metres below.
The vehicle was reportedly carrying three people, and while no fatalities have yet been reported, officials are working hard to establish the condition and free the trapped occupants. It was later confirmed that there were only two people in the vehicle.
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Road closed as rescue operations get underway
Chief Director of the Western Cape Mobility Department, Maxine Bezuidenhout, urged motorists to avoid the area as the drive has been closed to traffic. Bezuidenhout also confirmed that emergency services were on scene as rescue operations got underway.
A helicopter has also been brought in to assist with the rescue mission.
Western Cape Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed that Fish Hoek police were investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving.
Driver of the vehicle passes away
On Monday, 26 January 2026, it was confirmed that the driver of the vehicle had passed away.
The 47-year-old initially survived crashing over a cliff along Chapman’s Peak Drive. He was rescued and transferred to an ambulance and rushed to the hospital in a critical condition, where he later passed away.
More information was also released, which stated that the tyre on the vehicle, which was reported to be a Golf GTI, burst. That caused the driver to lose control and veer off the road. The vehicle came to rest on rocks, approximately 100 metres below the road.
Good Samaritans assist with rescue operations
Reports also indicated that two members of the public climbed down the cliff face to assist the trapped motorist.
They were later joined by rescue swimmers of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) from the Hout Bay station. An NSRI rescue boat was standing by offshore as well.
The Air Mercy Service helicopter was called in, and rescuers managed to free the driver before airlifting him to receive treatment.
Authorities praised the swift response and bravery of the members of the public and rescue teams.
Heroic rescue at Lion’s Head
Briefly News reported that a routine Saturday hike on Lion’s Head took a dangerous turn after a young woman slipped on a loose section of the trail.
Emergency teams worked together to assess, treat and safely evacuate the injured hiker from one of Cape Town’s busiest routes.
The viral incident shared online reignited conversations about hiking safety and the hidden risks of familiar trails.
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Source: Briefly News
