A pregnant woman was one of more than 20 patients injured this morning in a massive accident on the M41 (eastbound) near uMhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal when an out-of-control truck ploughed through early morning traffic, damaging 47 vehicles.

The woman, who was treated and stabilised on scene, had to be airlifted with the assistance of the Netcare 911 aeromedical helicopter. Miraculously, no fatalities were reported.

According to Emer-G Med Paramedics spokesperson Kyle van Reenen, the accident occurred at about 08:00.

Ambulance services from multiple agencies, including Netcare 911, Emer-G-Med paramedics, KZN VIP Medical, IPSS Medical Rescue as well as rescue personnel from Durban Metropolitan Search and Rescue (SAR) and eThekwini Fire and Rescue, arrived on scene.

“Many patients had been transported privately to hospital prior to the arrival of emergency services,” says Netcare 911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst.

He says paramedics treated 22 patients on the scene.

“When paramedics arrived on scene, teams were met with absolute mayhem as reports indicate that a fully laden truck ploughed into multiple light motor vehicles. Multiple people were left with injuries, ranging from minor to moderate, with one pregnant female motorist being left with serious injuries,” says Van Reenen.

The traffic in the area was severely affected as the roadway was closed to allow emergency workers to clear the scene.

The driver of the truck reportedly came to a standstill further down along the M41, after rolling down the side of the road.

Samantha Meyrick of IPSS Medical Rescue says the driver was treated for moderate injuries.

Van Reenen says that the official count of vehicles involved is 47 and that it is not clear at this stage what substance the truck was hauling.

“The Ethekwini Fire Department have secured the scene until confirmation is made that it is safe.”