The crash

Never a dull moment! Just before 9:00pm last night there was a huge crash! Running downstairs I discovered that a security company truck had slid down the road, smashing into our front gates. Apparently the motor had died and brakes failed leaving the security guard with no control over the vehicle. The new wrought iron gates were bent, the lock sprung, plant pots broken, outdoor lights shattered.

Nestor, the property manager, was visiting next door and he arrived within minutes. A representative from the Security company arrived within half and hour, the police about one hour later and finally, at 11:00pm, an Insurance agent drove up the hill to discuss a possible settlement. The tow truck arrived shortly afterward and drove to the top of the hill.

From that position, on this very steep road, he attached a long chain to the undercarriage of the truck and started to (very slowly) winch the truck up the hill. At some point the truck engine cooperated and by the time everyone left after midnight, the truck followed behind the tow truck down the hill with the original driver behind the wheel!

The front gates were chained and locked until they can be repaired. Damage to be assessed. Only access now is through the garage.