An accident involving multiple vehicles, in which a truck veered off a bridge and fell onto a bus and two taxis in Old Dutch Road near the Engen Garage, left 16 people injured this morning.
Upon arrival at the scene on Thursday October 4, ALS Paramedics Medical services were met with a scene of utter devastation.
ALS spokesman Garrith Jamieson said quick action was required and several paramedics from different services worked together to establish a triage system.
“Additional ambulances, advanced life support paramedics, and rescue units were summoned to assist in the emergency response efforts,” he said.
Mr Jamieson said a passenger, who was in the rear of the bus, was found trapped amidst the wreckage and had to be extricated.
“Advanced life support paramedics worked tirelessly to stabilise the trapped passenger’s condition, while the Durban fire department deployed the Jaws of Life and other hydraulic equipment to facilitate the extraction process. After being successfully freed, the injured man was carefully transferred to the top of the truck before being lowered down to an awaiting ambulance,” said Mr Jamieson.
About 15 other individuals involved in the accident sustained injuries ranging from moderate to serious. These patients were stabilised at the scene before being transported to various hospitals in Durban to receive the necessary further medical treatment.
“At present, the circumstances leading up to the accident remain unclear. The South African Police Service (SAPS) was present at the scene and will be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the factors contributing to this tragic incident,” said Mr Jamieson.
