KATHU 2 February 2012, 15:45
3 people have died and 28 others sustained various injuries following a 5 vehicle pileup on the N14 highway approximately 10 kilometers outside of Kathu.
The cause of the collision is unknown, but it seems as if a minibus taxi had collided with the rear of a passenger vehicle. The passenger vehicle then collided into the rear of another passenger vehicle in front of it. A large truck then collided with the rear of the minibus taxi at speed. After the initial collision a third passenger vehicle sideswiped the wrecked minibus taxi.
As news of the incident spread, multiple Emergency Medical Services were dispatched to the scene. When ER24 paramedics arrived at the scene they could see that the collision was severe as the rear of the minibus taxi was completely obliterated.
3 Individuals from the minibus taxi were found to have sustained various fatal injuries and were unfortunately later declared dead at the scene. Another 3 passengers in the minibus taxi were entrapped in the wrecked vehicle as the metal had twisted and was pinning the passengers in the wreck. Local fire and rescue services used specialised hydraulic rescue equipment to cut the wreck in order to free the individuals.
2 passengers from the minibus taxi and the driver of the truck sustained suspected head as well as back and neck injuries. They received Advanced Life Support treatment at the scene before being transported to Mediclinic Kathu for further treatment.
All of the remaining 25 patients received treatment at the scene for injuries including suspected back and neck injuries as well as various scrapes and bruises. The patients were transported to various medical facilities in the surrounding area by various ambulance services. Local law enforcement officials who attended the scene will be investigating the incident further.
Andre Visser, ER24
