A series of road crashes in KZN and the Western Cape have left five people injured and two dead in Durban and along the N2 near Knysna.

In Durban, a medic and three security officers were injured when a private ambulance and two security vehicles collided in Greyville yesterday (August 15).

According to The Witness, ALS Paramedics responded to the crash at the intersection of Gladys Mazibuko Road and Cross Street shortly after 20:00.

Paramedics found the ambulance lying on its side following the collision.

The injured medic and three security officers were stabilised by Advanced Life Support paramedics before being transported to different Durban hospitals for further treatment.

The circumstances leading to the crash are not yet known.

SAPS attended the scene and is investigating.

N2 crash causes traffic delays near Knysna

Meanwhile, a truck and a Volkswagen Polo collided on the N2, also known as Lagoon Road, at around 21:00 yesterday (August 15), reports Knysna-Plett Herald.

No fatalities were reported. The Polo driver sustained minor injuries, while the truck driver was reportedly uninjured.

Traffic officials introduced a stop-and-go system to allow vehicles to pass through the affected section while the truck was removed.

The collision happened less than 24 hours after a separate fatal crash on the same road.

In another incident, a Bitou waste truck was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle at White Bridge on the N2 on Friday (August 14), according to Knysna-Plett Herald. The truck veered off the road and came to rest partially submerged in the lagoon, leaving two people dead.

Although authorities had not formally confirmed the identities of the victims, tributes from the Knysna community identified them as local doctor Johann Viljoen and his partner, Charl Steenekamp.

Oak Leaf Knysna, where the couple were regular patrons, paid tribute to them on social media, describing them as ‘beloved patrons’ and also mourning the loss of their dog, CaraMia.

The tribute described Viljoen as a friend and mentor who had provided medical care to the writer and their family over many years, including during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The DA in Knysna also expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the two men, saying they had dedicated their lives to providing healthcare to the community.

Authorities are still expected to formally confirm the victims’ identities and provide further details about the crash.

Environmental clean-up under way

A stop-and-go traffic system introduced after Friday’s fatal collision was suspended at about 20:30 yesterday.

It was reinstated about 30 minutes later following the latest collision to facilitate the removal of the truck from the N2.

Meanwhile, joint operations involving the Garden Route District Municipality, SANParks, Knysna Municipality and Bitou Municipality are continuing at the site of Friday’s crash.

Teams are making progress with waste extraction while measures are being implemented to contain and absorb any further spread of chemicals into the lagoon.

Motorists have been warned that the N2 may be closed intermittently, with stop-and-go traffic controls implemented when necessary.

They are urged to exercise caution and patience when travelling through the affected area.

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