The KZN Department of Health (DoH) has implored road users to exercise responsibility and safer driving, especially on major highways and busy routes.

This after an uMkhanyakude District DoH ambulance transporting a critical patient and their relative from Hlabisa Hospital to Ngwelezana Hospital was involved in a collision with a light motor vehicle on Saturday.

Zululand Observer reports that the crash occurred on the N2 near the Mfolozi River.

According to the department, initial reports indicate that the ambulance crew attempted to avoid a sedan that allegedly lost control and veered into its path. During this evasive manoeuvre, the ambulance lost control and overturned.

One ambulance crew member sustained injuries and was transported to the nearest hospital for urgent medical attention.

The patient and accompanying relative sustained minor injuries and were safely transferred to another ambulance to complete their journey to Ngwelezana Hospital.

Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane said that while formal investigations into the exact circumstances leading to the accident are ongoing, preliminary accounts suggest the sedan was being driven at excessive speed and in an erratic manner.

“This deeply concerning incident highlights a grave reality – that reckless driving endangers not only the driver but also our emergency responders and vulnerable patients whose lives depend on timely care.

“Accidents like these are avoidable. Our emergency medical teams courageously serve our community every day. Today, one of our colleagues became a victim of a preventable road incident.

“We urge the public to reflect on the profound consequences of irresponsible driving and join us in prioritising safety for all who share our roads,” said Simelane.

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