Tow truck driver injured in N2 accident: Urgent road safety reminder
Injured while attending to a crash scene, he had to undergo surgery on both his legs.
Tow truck driver Nathi Shabalala is currently recovering in a hospital after being hit by a vehicle while attending to an accident scene on the N2 on Sunday.
The 41-year-old driver from Mins Breakdown Services had to undergo surgery on both his legs.
The secondary accident occurred when Shabalala and his colleague responded to a call made by passers-by about a vehicle that had crashed on the N2 near Salt Rock.
At the accident scene, another approaching motorist lost control of his vehicle and crashed into Shabalala and his tow truck.
According to paramedics, this was the third accident in four months in which a tow truck driver had been critically injured or killed in secondary accident incidents.
“We urge drivers to slow down when approaching accident scenes to protect our first responders,” said IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson, Kesley-Jae Meyrick.
The driver of the vehicle who crashed into the tow truck was not injured, and a case has been opened against him.
“Umhlali Saps is investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving,” said CEO of Mins Breakdown Services, Minolen Sivagopal.
He said the job of first responders was made more difficult and dangerous by reckless drivers.
“Our employees are now fearful when doing major recoveries. We almost lost one of our drivers because of a negligent driver who did not respect the rules of the road.”
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
