[Midrand, GP 03 September 2012 15:00]
A taxi has collided into the back of a large carrier truck on the N1 north, just before the Samrand road off ramp in Randjiespark, Midrand shortly before 3pm this afternoon.
The truck appears to have been stationary off to the side of the road due to possible break down, and while it is not clear as to why the taxi struck the back of the vehicle in the first place, the taxi was ripped open and left the road.
Paramedics from all nearby areas were dispatched promptly to the scene as it was made clear that the severity of the accident was extensive, and patients had been flung from the taxi.
Upon arrival, the taxi was found at the side of the road with one of its sides almost completely ripped from the body. Only a small section at the back was still attached and the metal was twisted and bent.
One man who is believed to have been sitting behind the driver, died as a result of the impact, where nothing more could be done for him as his injuries were too severe. Paramedics quickly assessed the driver and resuscitation efforts were started on him. He too died at the scene where his condition deteriorated and there was nothing left that could be done to save his life.
AER24 and a second private medicopter were called in to the scene to assist with transporting patients to hospital, and two men who had been badly injured were airlifted from scene to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria.
A young woman had sustained broken bones in her face and she was rushed through to Tembisa Hospital for urgent medical care.
At this time is in not clear as to the exact number of patients on scene needing medical treatment, but it is believed that the numbers are two dead, four critically injured – with two of them having been airlifted – and a further seven patients having received treatment for moderate injuries.
The local police who attended the scene would need to investigate this fatal accident further in order to determine its exact cause.
Vanessa Jackson, ER24