Traffic on the N1 Southbound came to a standstill on Sunday morning, September 14, after a serious multi-vehicle collision involving a truck and four cars. The accident occurred just before the Brakfontein offramp on the old Johannesburg Road, leaving several people injured and prompting a large-scale emergency response.
According to Emergency Medical Solutions (EMS), paramedics and other first responders rushed to the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Despite the severity of the accident and the number of vehicles involved, no fatalities were recorded.
Injuries and Emergency Response
EMS spokesperson Dean Slater confirmed that paramedics treated multiple patients at the scene. Three individuals sustained minor injuries, while one person was critically injured after being trapped inside a vehicle. The critically injured patient was carefully extracted and transported to hospital, along with the other injured victims.
“The incident could have had far more devastating consequences,” Slater said. “We are grateful that no lives were lost.”
Slater added that numerous emergency units collaborated during the rescue and recovery operation. Teams from Netcare 911, VEMRU, EMER-G-MED, Pro Med, Afriforum patrollers, First Help Towing, Tshwane Emergency Services, TMPD, and the National Traffic Police worked tirelessly to treat patients, direct traffic, and clear the wreckage.
Cause of the Accident
While the precise cause of the collision is still under investigation, initial observations suggest that the truck may have struggled to negotiate the turn as it came from the north side of the N1. The vehicle reportedly struck the barrier on the highway before colliding with other cars.
“It seems the truck allegedly could not make the turn, which set off the chain reaction,” Slater explained.
Authorities are expected to conduct further investigations to determine whether driver error, vehicle failure, or road conditions played a role in the accident.
Secondary Incident and Traffic Complications
The situation on the N1 worsened when some impatient motorists attempted to bypass the traffic jam by using the emergency lanes. This caused further disruption and delayed the response of rescue vehicles trying to reach the scene.
Slater cautioned motorists against such behavior, stressing that emergency lanes must remain clear for ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles. “Using emergency lanes during a crisis not only causes delays but can also put lives at risk,” he emphasized.
Ongoing Clean-Up Operations
By midday, clean-up crews were still working to clear the wreckage and restore traffic flow on the busy highway. Authorities urged motorists to exercise patience and use alternative routes while recovery operations were underway.
Despite the chaos, officials praised the swift and coordinated response of all emergency services. “The teamwork shown today reflects our collective commitment to saving lives and ensuring road safety,” Slater said.
The accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution on highways, particularly when sharing the road with heavy vehicles. Investigations into the exact circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
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