13 injured in Natal Spa Road collision
A storm-hit collision near Vryheid injured 13 taxi passengers this afternoon.
KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service and several emergency agencies responded to a serious two-vehicle collision on the Natal Spa Road near Vryheid this afternoon (Saturday). The crash happened at about 16:00 during a violent thunderstorm that created difficult driving conditions.
Taxi crashes into bakkie
A fully loaded minibus taxi carrying passengers returning from a church function drove into the rear of a bakkie. The force of the impact caused extensive frontal damage to the taxi and left debris scattered across the road.
Weather a key factor
Craig Botha, media liaison for KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service, said the weather played a major role in the incident. “The storm was intense and visibility was very poor. The road surface was extremely wet, which affected stopping distance and control,” he said.
13 people injured
Thirteen occupants of the taxi were injured. Four patients sustained serious injuries, including multiple broken bones and suspected spinal trauma. They received advanced life support treatment on scene before being transported. Nine others suffered minor injuries, mostly cuts and abrasions.
Rescue teams face tough conditions
Botha said the rescue teams worked in difficult circumstances. “It was a complex scene because of the weather and the number of injured patients. Our paramedics, together with SAPS and the Fire Department, did everything possible to stabilise everyone safely,” he said.
All patients were taken to a nearby medical facility for further care.
Authorities investigate cause
The Fire Department helped secure the area, and SAPS has launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. Early indications suggest the storm, wet road surface and low visibility contributed to the crash.
Traffic briefly controlled
Traffic was only slightly affected. Authorities controlled the flow with a stop-and-go system while emergency workers cleared the road.
The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
