My first thought as the truck came hurtling towards me was “I’m going to die.” As metal screeched and the windshield cracked, I closed my eyes and then… Nothing. The truck had stopped, smoke hissing.
Luckily it clipped two cars, removed a traffic light and knocked over a street pole before landing on my Yaris. That’s when I finally moved, terrified the roof was going to collapse and trap me under the truck. I undid my seatbelt and climbed over the passenger seat as fast as I could.
I smelled the sweet slickness of oil running down the road. My legs wobbled and fell out from under me. A stranger helped me up.
It’s very unsettling to realise you’re alive when you were about to become another statistic. I feel like someone was watching over me. I’m also grateful for street poles and amazing Toyota manufacturing. Watching my wonderful little Yaris being towed away made my heart hurt – I’ll probably never see her again.
Impact-wise, my back’s a little stiff from tensing in shock and my stomach hurts from nerves, but otherwise I’m miraculously well; unlike the worker in the back of the truck who was bleeding and carried off on a stretcher.
I’m pretty sure the truck’s brakes failed. It was a dilapidated piece of crap that shouldn’t have been on the road.
Life is fragile. I never understood that until now. You can be innocently waiting at a red light and a one-tonner will come plowing across the intersection, over the traffic island and straight into you. Which is why I’m now eating a slab of Dairy Milk chocolate in bed.
23 responses to “I can’t believe I’m alive”
I have no words Amanda!! TG you’re okay!
Glad that you are not hurt.
Rest well!
Wow, again! By the way, just saying… but that is way more than a one-tonner, which would be like a HiLux bakkie. That monster that you were miraculously saved from by the lamp post.. is more like a FIVE=tonner.
Enjoy life more ebulliently from now on, cause you, too, have been given a second chance.
Think you owe a debt of gratitude to that streetlight pole as well…
Enjoy the… chocolate.
Unbelievable that you came out the way you did. Glad you’re okay.
You are lucky to be alive! What a story! *tearjerker*
Wow chicken… unbelievable – miracle stuff.
Dairy Milk beats any snazzy Lindt whatsit in situations such as this. Love love. And cuddles to Al too x
Really very glad you are okay. Go Yaris 🙂 Get some rest .. and lots of chocolate 🙂
Jeepers, happy you are relatively unscathed! Terrible story this. Remember to play the lottery this weekend.
Jesus Amanda! glad you are OK
TONS AND TONS of mango achaar with your name on it coming your way!
xxx
Seems like the truck belongs to Randpave. How about someone take it up with them on why their truck / truck driver can be held responsible for it.
OMG!!! What a terrifying experience and I am so happy you are fine. Bring on the choccie (man okay if you must 😉
OMG! Glad you’re okay. Take care.
Thanks everyone. Moving on from chocolate to whiskey now. x
Amanda, I’m speechless after seeing those photos. So glad you made it out ok, my friend. Having a whiskey on your behalf. Ant says, “Come back to Cape Town.”
Wow, that’s crazy Amanda. Glad you’re ok! Enjoy that whiskey…
So glad you’re OK after your ordeal, hope you enjoyed the whiskey and chocolate. The Yaris must be built well!
I know I’m a little late on this but I am glad you are ok!
Hugs!
Also on a side note: My parents taught us that if we survive something horrific we should give back in thanks. A little charity or a lot, anything even just a loaf bread and a liter of milk to someone on a street corner.
Just thought I’d share that with you.
So glad you are ok though.
Wow! Thats so scary…glad you’re okay
Wow. Just caught up with this now. My nerves are shattered reading it, I can’t imagine what it must have been like for you. Glad you’re ok!
Whaaat. I saw this. Didn’t know it was you. Least you’re ok!
Good grief – that’s horrific.
You are one very lucky lady. All the best.