It is mid-way into the festive season and the death toll for road crashes is climbing with one truck driver becoming a crash statistic in a multiple collision on the N3 Durban bound before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza, last Friday night.
Paramedics arrived on the scene to find carnage and chaos. ALS Paramedics spokesperson, Garrith Jamieson, said approximately six trucks and five vehicles were involved in the crash leaving multiple people entrapped and injured.
“Immediately more ambulances, as well as, Advanced Life Support paramedics were dispatched to assist. The eThekweni Fire Department were also requested to assist with the necessary rescue tools.
Unfortunately, one of the truck drivers was found severely entrapped in the wreckage and despite best attempts by paramedics, he passed away on the scene,” said Jamieson.
He added: “Approximately 15 people had sustained various injuries and once stabilised on the scene they were transported to various Durban hospitals for the further care that they required. The national route was closed for hours whilst emergency personnel worked to clear the scene. At this stage the events leading up to the crash are unknown, however, all necessary authorities were in attendance and will be investigating further.”
Meanwhile, in a separate crash on Sunday afternoon, ALS Paramedics responded to the N3 Durban bound before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza, where on arrival paramedics found chaos as multiple vehicles were strewn across the national highway.
Jamieson said: “Multiple casualties were found and immediately more ambulances and Advanced Life Support paramedics were dispatched to assist. A total of six vehicles were involved in the crash. It is alleged that a truck lost control and ploughed into a bus, a taxi and three light motor vehicles. Approximately 15 people had sustained various injuries and once stabilised on the scene they were all transported to various Durban hospitals for the further care that they required. At this stage the events leading up to the crash are unknown, however, SAPS and RTI were in attendance and will be investigating further, ” Jamieson added.
