A head-on collision on the R34 outside Vryheid on Monday evening left one motorist severely entrapped, with emergency services working for 40 minutes using the jaws of life to free the man.

The crash occurred at around 6pm and involved a 1-tonne truck and a minibus taxi. KwaZulu Private Ambulance responded to the call out.

“Advanced life support paramedics worked alongside the rescue team to stabilise the victim during the extrication process,” said KwaZulu Private Ambulance spokesperson, Craig Botha.

“The trapped patient suffered serious injuries, including suspected internal injuries and multiple broken bones.

“A second occupant from the bakkie sustained minor injuries. Both patients were treated at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care.

“No occupants in the taxi reported major injuries requiring emergency transfer,” he said.

Botha added that traffic flow along the R34 was temporarily affected during the rescue and clean-up operations.

The cause of the collision remains unknown with SAPS on scene to initiate a formal investigation, he said.

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