Collision leaves three dead on Clifford Manana bridge
An off duty policeman was among the three victims who lost their lives in the collision.
Three people were tragically killed in a collision between a car, bakkie and a taxi last night on the Clifford Manana Bridge.
Among the deceased, believed to be in their late 20’s, was an off-duty policeman. Emergency response officials had to work fast to extricate two of the occupants from the car, who were in serious condition. Approximately 13 occupants in the taxi, including the driver, sustained minor injuries.
The Clifford Manana Bridge spans between Asiphephe Drive and Madadeni. All three of the deceased were travelling in the same vehicle when the driver allegedly lost control. The car clipped the rear end of the bakkie before veering into the path of the oncoming taxi. According to allegations, the car was travelling at a high rate of speed and the driver was driving erratically.
“The two people who were trapped in the car had to be freed by the local fire department using the jaws-of-life,” confirmed Jan-Henk van Vuuren, spokesperson for ER24 Newcastle. “Both the trapped patients sustained critical injuries and had to be stabilised on the scene. They were treated for multiple injuries.”
The roadway was closed for an extended period of time as emergency response teams cleared the scene. The exact cause of the incident is under investigation.
The Newcastle Advertiser would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims.
