West Rand EMS speaks out after Pinehaven intersection crash leaves six injured
EMS issues official response and residents are demanding urgent action after yet another devastating crash at the Pinehaven intersection left six people injured – two with life-threatening injuries.
After yet another devastating crash at the infamous Pinehaven intersection on the R28, West Rand Emergency Services has issued an official response.
The West Rand Emergency Services’ regional commander, Gerhard Nieuwoudt, confirmed the time of the call was 14:42 on August 12.
“On our arrival, we found two trucks, a bakkie and a Pajero SUV. Two patients were entrapped in one of the trucks and we managed to extricate both. One truck carried cement and the entire intersection heading towards Pretoria was covered with it.”
• Read the initial article here: Medical helicopter called after Pinehaven horror crash: 6 left injured
He added that there were at least 15 emergency services on the scene, including a helicopter, reservists, ambulances and numerous security companies.
• Also read: Two-truck crash near Pinehaven intersection: 3 injured
@caxton.jhbwest A serious crash at the notorious Pinehaven intersection in Krugersdorp on Tuesday afternoon, involving two trucks, a bakkie, and an SUV, has left at least two people fighting for their lives. Emergency services personnel are on the scene and have used the Jaws of Life and other equipment to free two of the occupants. A medical helicopter has been called in to transport one critically injured patient to hospital. Another five people are being treated by paramedics at the scene. #pinehaven #CaxtonLocalMedia #accident #emergencyservices #fyp ♬ original sound – Caxton JHB West
Nieuwoudt emphasised that six patients were injured in total, however, five were priority patients, including two with life-threatening injuries, two with serious injuries and one with mild injuries. The sixth person sustained minor to light injuries.
“We had numerous challenges with this crash. The patient transportation was delayed because we had to wait for authorisation, and there were major traffic delays. Interdepartmental conflicts about the patient were also a challenge,” he concluded.
The condition of the seriously injured patients is currently unknown. Anyone with more information is urged to email the News at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za.
‘How many must die?’ — Residents demand action
Meanwhile, the community has once again raised concerns about the Pinehaven intersection, urging immediate action to prevent more serious crashes, which have claimed lives and caused many injuries over the years.
“A fly-over (interchange) from Krugersdorp’s side down the hill is the only way these accidents will be avoided and lives saved,” commented Minouise vd Merwe on the News’ official Facebook page shortly after the crash.
Domenique Thomson was of the view that, “How many people have to die for authorities to start taking action? Today (August 12) is literally the anniversary of a young man who died there recently because of trucks. How many have to die to get the appropriate action and management taken on that crossing? Surely we can block trucks from going down the hill, as there are 2 to 3 other alternative routes they can take to get to the same intersection. This is pure negligence from the minister of roads to the government.”
Esther Strydom concluded, “How many more lives must be lost at this intersection after all these years? That said, when will the flyover construction begin, and who is responsible for it?”
