[Eikenhof, GP 29 August 2012 18:00]
Paramedics from the surrounding areas were all called in to assist with patients injured in a taxi accident that happened on the R82 intersection with the R550 in Eikenhof, South of Johannesburg this evening.
A taxi had collided with a Pajero 4×4 with such force that the taxi had literally been split open from front to back, completely exposing the interior of the vehicle. There had been 16 people on the taxi at the time, while a 39 year old woman and three teenage children were traveling in the Pajero, on their way to a hockey game.
One patient from the taxi had been critically injured and paramedics started treating him immediately for his extensive injuries. His condition did not change and then suddenly started to deteriorate where even the best efforts by paramedics could not save his life. After resuscitation attempts failed, the man was declared dead on scene.
The 15 other patients who needed treatment after being injured in the taxi, were treated for their minor to serious injuries and transported to either Natalspruit or Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital by ambulance.
The woman, her two teenage children – a girl aged 14 and boy aged 13 – and a 13 year old find of theirs, were all trapped in the wreckage of the Pajero, but fortunately paramedics were able to free them and start treating them for moderate injuries. They were all taken to Garden City hospital for further care.
It appears that the taxi was trying to cross the road when it collided into the front and drivers side of the Pajero.
Vanessa Jackson, ER24