One person was declared dead after a heavy motor vehicle collision on the N12 eastbound near the Edenvale Road on-ramp.
The accident happened between two trucks, one articulating and a smaller truck, on the stretch of highway between the Edenvale Road on-ramp and the Kraft Road off-ramp.
DEMS media liaison William Ntladi said the collision was reported to emergency services at 11:03 on January 9.
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The Bedfordview Fire Station’s rescue team, the EMPD, the Gauteng Traffic Police, paramedics and rescue services responded to the scene, which had caused the highway to narrow to two lanes.
In light of this, traffic on the N12 eastbound was backed up and delayed for several hours.
“On arrival, the articulating truck was reported to have been stationary before the collision.”
It is unknown why the articulating truck was stationary in the highway’s second left lane.
“The second truck collided with the stationary vehicle, killing the driver instantly,” said Ntladi.
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Ntladi said that the smaller truck must have collided with the articulating truck at high speed, judging from the magnitude of the damage.
The driver of the stationary truck escaped with no injuries.
Ntladi said the rescue team had to use specialised hydraulic rescue equipment, the jaws of life, and a towing and recovery vehicle during the recovery operation.
The two trucks had to be pulled apart from one another so the rescue team could access the cab and assess and recover the driver from the cab of the smaller truck. Once recovered, paramedics declared the driver dead at the scene.
Ntladi said the scene was handed to law enforcement agencies at the scene for further investigation.
In light of the collision, Ntladi advised motorists to exercise caution, especially when travelling at high speeds on highways.
Some advice he shared included:
• Keep a safe following distance between vehicles, especially during wet weather;
• Ensure the tyres and brakes are in good condition;
• Never drive while under the influence;
• Never use electronics while driving.
“Motorists need to maintain 100% focus on the road while driving,” said Ntladi.
