On Saturday afternoon, 9 August, a KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health ambulance from the Umkhanyakude district was involved in a serious collision while transporting a critically ill patient and their relative from Hlabisa Hospital to Ngwelezana Hospital. The incident occurred on the N2 highway, just after the Umfolozi River bridge.
The Incident
According to initial reports, the crash happened when the ambulance driver had to take evasive action to avoid a sedan, which allegedly lost control and veered into the ambulance’s path. In doing so, the ambulance lost traction, overturned, and left one crew member injured 
Injuries and Response
The injured crew member was rushed to the nearest hospital for urgent medical attention. Fortunately, the patient and their accompanying relative only sustained minor injuries. They were transferred to another ambulance and subsequently continued their journey to Ngwelezana Hospital without further incident
The swift response by backup emergency teams and healthcare personnel was lauded by officials, who commended their effective handling of the situation 
Official Statement
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane expressed deep concern over the incident, stressing that reckless driving can endanger not only motorists but also emergency service workers and those most vulnerable—patients depending on timely medical care. She called on all road users to demonstrate responsible behaviour, especially on high-traffic routes like the N2, and urged greater awareness of the consequences of negligent driving
Simelane extended the Department’s full support to the injured staff member and commended the professionalism shown by all involved in the emergency response
Looking Ahead
While formal investigations into the accident’s specifics are still ongoing, preliminary insights point to the sedan’s erratic behaviour and excessive speed as key contributing factors
This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the risks that reckless driving poses—not just to road users but to emergency services and their patients, who rely on safe passage for timely care. In response, the Health MEC emphasized the need for heightened road safety measures and public cooperation in protecting those who dedicate themselves to caring for others.
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