[ROODEPOORT – 22 JANUARY 2012 AT 17H30]
One person is dead and sixteen other commuters have sustained injuries after a taxi lost control and rolled numerous times on Peter Road in Ruimsig, Roodepoort this afternoon.
ER24 and other emergency personnel arrived on the scene and found the vehicle on the road on its wheels with extensive damage to the vehicle. Majority of the commuters were found strewn across the road with variety of injuries. Paramedics started assessing and found that one person was had already succumbed to his fatal and traumatic injuries and was declared deceased on the scene.
Two patients, a female and a male were in a critical condition and had suffered multiple injuries. Both patients needed Advanced Life Support intervention before they were airlifted by the ER24 Discovery Medicopter and another Medicopter to Chris Hani Baragwaneth Hospital for further rapid medical care.
Six other commuters were in a serious condition and were treated for suspected neck and back injuries and suspected broken bones. They were placed on specialised boards to protect their spines from further injury. The remaining eight patients had sustained multiple cuts and bruises and general body pains. They were transported to various hospitals in the area for further medical care.
It is unclear what caused the driver to lose control but the necessary authorities were on the scene and would investigate the accident further.
Derrick Banks, ER24
