Death toll rises on Newcastle’s roads
A spike in the death toll on Newcastle's roads has become of great concern with the festive season fast approaching.
Two people were killed and several others injured in a series of collisions over the last week.
A spike in the death toll on Newcastle’s roads has become of great concern with the festive season fast approaching.
The statistics: During the 2014 festive season, KwaZulu-Natal had the highest number of road accident fatalities; 284 people lost their lives.
Here are a few of the latest incidents that took place on local roads:
Man killed in N11 crash
A man believed to be in his thirties was killed in a collision about two kilometres from Newcastle last Thursday.
According to reports, a truck smashed into the bakkie the victims were travelling in just after 8pm. When emergency services arrived on scene, they found the bakkie partially wedged under the truck.
“One of the occupants was quickly extricated from the vehicle. Shortly after extrication, his vital signs deteriorated and paramedics initiated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Sadly, despite the efforts of the paramedics on the scene, they were unable to revive him,” said ER24 spokesmen.
He was later declared dead.
“The local fire and rescue services used hydraulic rescue equipment to free the other occupant from the bakkie. He was also in a critical condition.”
Paramedics managed to stabilise him, before transporting him to Madadeni Provincial Hospital for further treatment.
“The driver of the truck was not injured in the collision. It is believed the driver of the bakkie allegedly attempted to make a U-turn shortly before the truck collided with it.”
Authorities were on scene determine the cause of the collision. The incident remains the subject of investigations.
Motorist arrested for alleged drunk driving
The occupants of a light motor vehicle reportedly fled the scene of a crash that took place on Drakensberg Road on October 24.
According to ER24 Newcastle spokesperson, Jan Henk van Vuuren, the driver later returned and was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. Reports further suggest the occupants of the vehicle did not sustain any injuries.
“The exact cause of the accident will remain subject to further investigation, but common cause suggests the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a lamp post,” claimed Mr van Vuuren.
Three injured in late-night wreck
Three people sustained minor injuries when the taxi they were travelling in overturned on the Memel road on October 26.
“When ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene, they found three people had sustained minor injuries when a taxi collided with an embankment and overturned on its side,” said the ER24 Media Centre.
The driver of the taxi reportedly swerved to avoid rocks in the road, and lost control of the vehicle.
Paramedics treated the injured on scene, and transported them to a nearby hospital for further care.
“It is understood most of the patients had left the scene privately to seek medical attention.”
Further investigations continue.
One killed in head-on collision
A man was killed in a head-on collision on Albert Wessels Drive on October 26.
“When ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene, they found a bakkie and light motor vehicle had collided head-on. Both lay in the middle of the road,” read a statement issued by ER24.
Upon assessment, paramedics found the body of the man trapped inside the light motor vehicle.
“Unfortunately, the patient had already succumbed to his multiple, fatal injuries.”
The driver of the bakkie sustained minor injuries. She was treated on the scene and later transported to hospital.
“Rescue services had to use the Jaws of Life equipment the free the body from the vehicle at a later stage,” concluded the statement.
The exact cause of the collision remains unclear. Authorities conducted preliminary investigations.
The Newcastle Advertiser extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims.
