WATCH: Car plunges into dam as 7 crashes hit KZN roads

Seven crashes leave 11 people injured across Newcastle and Vryheid, including 4 rescued after vehicle plunges into dam.

3 hours ago

Tamlyn Cramer 1 minute read

Wet and slippery road conditions in Newcastle and Vryheid on Monday saw emergency services stretched thin as they attended to seven separate crashes between 3pm and 8pm.

This after the cold front brought rain, snow and treacherous driving conditions to the region.

ALSO READ: Further snowfall expected as cold, rainy weather grips KZN

According to KwaZulu Private Ambulance whose paramedics responded to the call outs, 11 people were injured in total, with collisions concentrated on the R34 between Blood River and the N11, as well as in Vryheid town and on the N11 at Ingogo.

“The most dramatic incident occurred on the R34 at Bloedriver Poort, where a family’s vehicle lost control, left the roadway and landed in a nearby dam,” said KwaZulu Private spokesperson Craig Botha.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Temperatures drop as snowfalls, damaging winds hit KZN

“Advanced paramedics deployed water rescue techniques in near-freezing conditions to bring all four occupants to safety.

“In addition to their crash-related injuries, the patients were treated for hypothermia after prolonged exposure to the cold water.

“The mother sustained serious injuries, including suspected fractures, while the father and two children – a girl (10) and boy (14) – sustained minor injuries,” he said.

Botha said a second vehicle also lost control on the same stretch of the R34, resulting in three occupants sustaining minor injuries.

In Vryheid town, a bakkie lost control on Kerk Street and collided with a tree, leaving two occupants with serious injuries, including suspected chest injuries and fractures.

Meanwhile, a two-vehicle collision on the N11 near Ingogo left three occupants with minor injuries.

“All patients were stabilised on scene by KwaZulu Private’s medical team and transported to hospitals in the area for further treatment,” said Botha.

“KwaZulu Private urges motorists to exercise extreme caution while the cold front persists, with rain, snow and icy conditions continuing to affect road surfaces across the region.”

@zululand_observer
WATCH: Family rescued and treated for hypothermia and crash-related injuries after wet, slippery roads cause vehicle to lose control and plunge into a dam in the Newcastle area
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