A serious vehicle rollover on the R34 outside Gluckstadt last night (Sunday) left 23 people injured, six of them critically, after a bakkie carrying soccer supporters lost control and overturned multiple times.

Emergency crews rush to high-priority scene

KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service spokesperson Craig Botha said paramedics were dispatched to the high-priority incident at around 18:30.

Occupants found scattered across roadway

“On arrival, crews were met with a chaotic scene. A single bakkie had reportedly lost control, veered off the roadway and rolled several times. Occupants were found scattered across the road,” Botha said.

Passengers returning from soccer match

The vehicle was transporting passengers who were returning home from a soccer match at the time of the crash.

Mass casualty protocol implemented

Due to the number of injured patients, paramedics immediately implemented a mass casualty triage protocol. According to Botha, six occupants sustained serious injuries and required advanced life support treatment at the scene, while a further 17 people suffered minor injuries.

Multiple agencies coordinate medical response

“The complexity of the incident required close coordination between multiple emergency units to stabilise all 23 patients before they could be transported to various hospitals for further medical care,” he said.

Police investigation and traffic disruptions

The South African Police Service attended the scene and will be investigating the cause of the accident. During rescue and recovery operations, traffic on the R34 was reduced to a single lane to allow emergency personnel to work safely in the roadway.

Motorists urged to remain cautious

The scene was later cleared, but authorities have urged motorists to remain cautious when travelling along this stretch of 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.