[Carletonville 02 May 2012 09:30]
The call came through to the Potchefstroom paramedics alerting them to what seemed to be a very bad accident on the Carletonville Road. They immediately responded through to the scene, approximately 15 kilometers from Potchefstroom.
The 1-ton bakkie, with five men on board, is believed to have been travelling towards Brits when the driver suddenly lost control. Although the cause of the accident is not clear, bystanders indicated that the vehicle rolled off the road, not having collided with any other vehicle or object.
Paramedics found the bakkie in the long grass at the side of the road. It was lying on its drivers side, and was badly damaged. All five of the occupants were found outside of the vehicle; the two men that had been sitting in the back compartment were flung from the vehicle as it overturned while the three men sitting in the cabin had managed to climb out themselves with help from each other.
One of the men was found lying near the wreckage, he had already succumbed to his traumatic injuries and was declared dead by paramedics.
The remaining four men were treated on scene for moderate to serious injuries including broken bones and various other injuries before they were taken to the Potchefstroom Provincial hospital by ambulance.
Vanessa Jackson, ER24
084 222 1078