A serious multi-vehicle collision on the R56 near the Archie Gumede Road intersection in Pietermaritzburg left several people injured on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a large-scale emergency response and the temporary closure of the busy roadway.
According to KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service, paramedics were dispatched to the scene at approximately 16:30 after reports of a major crash involving multiple vehicles. On arrival, emergency crews were met with a scene of extensive destruction, highlighting the severity of the impact and the urgent need for coordinated rescue efforts.
Preliminary information indicates that a heavy-duty truck and a double-cab bakkie were involved in a head-on collision. The force of the impact was so intense that a second bakkie, which was travelling behind, was unable to stop in time and crashed into the wreckage of the truck. This chain reaction turned the crash site into a complex and dangerous rescue environment for first responders.
The initial collision left the first bakkie severely crumpled, with two occupants trapped inside the twisted metal. Due to the involvement of three vehicles and the unstable condition of the wreckage, the scene required a highly technical rescue operation. Paramedics immediately began triage procedures to assess the condition of all those involved.
A total of seven patients were identified at the scene. Among them were two occupants who were severely trapped inside one of the vehicles. One patient was found in critical condition, suffering from severe head injuries as well as traumatic amputations. The second trapped occupant sustained serious injuries, including significant trauma to the head and chest.
In addition to these two patients, paramedics located another person nearby who was also in critical condition. Four other patients were treated on site for minor injuries, including cuts, bruises, and shock. While their injuries were not life-threatening, they still required medical attention and monitoring.
To safely free the trapped victims, paramedics worked closely with the Fire and Rescue Department, using specialized hydraulic rescue equipment to stabilize the vehicles and carefully cut through the wreckage. The presence of the heavy-duty truck and the second bakkie added further complications, requiring extreme precision to avoid worsening the injuries of the critically unstable patients.
South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were also on scene, securing the area and managing traffic and bystanders. Due to the severity of the crash and the extensive debris scattered across the road, the R56 was completely closed to traffic for several hours while rescue operations continued and the scene was cleared.
Once all patients were stabilized, they were transported to various medical facilities for urgent and specialized treatment. Authorities have since confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events that led to this devastating crash.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on South Africa’s roads and the importance of cautious driving, especially on busy routes like the R56, where a single moment can lead to life-altering consequences for many.
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