Update: Second victim dies

KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service responded to a serious head-on collision on the R34 near Hennie’s Garage, just outside Vryheid, at approximately 13:30 this afternoon (Monday).

Severe impact leaves debris across roadway

According to Craig Botha, spokesperson for KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service, paramedics arrived to find two passenger vehicles that had collided with severe force, leaving debris scattered across the roadway and traffic partially obstructed.

Multiple patients, including children

“This was an extremely traumatic scene. Our teams were immediately faced with multiple patients, including young children, and a rapid triage process was initiated to prioritise treatment,” Botha said.

One person declared dead on scene

One adult male sustained catastrophic injuries and was declared deceased at the scene despite the swift response of emergency personnel.

Several others seriously injured

Botha confirmed that several other occupants were seriously injured. “Two young girls, estimated to be between five and ten years old, were found in a critical condition and required urgent advanced life support intervention. A three-year-old girl and three adults also sustained serious injuries,” he said.

Patients stabilised and transported

Paramedics worked to stabilise all the injured patients on scene before transporting them to the nearest medical facility for further treatment and specialised care.

Road closures and traffic delays

The R34 was temporarily closed to allow emergency services to work safely. “Once patients were transported and the scene made safer, the road was reopened to a single lane, but motorists can expect delays while debris is cleared,” Botha added.

The South African Police Service was on scene and has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the collision.

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.