One of local ambulance services, Rescue Care, was stolen last night whilst paramedics were treating a tow truck operator after a truck had ploughed into an accident scene.
Rescue Care operations director, Garrith Jamieson, told Berea Mail that paramedics attended to a scene where there were fortunately no injuries on the M7 West Bound before Wakesleigh Road intersection around 9pm last night when the incident occurred. “As the ambulance was leaving the scene they noticed a truck ploughing into the accident scene before leaving the roadway coming to rest down the embankment. Paramedics ran to the scene and found the critically injured breakdown operator down the embankment.
“All efforts were tried to try save the breakdown operator however he had suffered fatal injuries and was declared deceased on scene,” explained Jamieson.
Whilst paramedics were attending to the patient the truck driver stole the ambulance that was attending the scene and fled. “Bystanders followed the man in the ambulance until the ambulance was involved in a high impact collision at the corner of Umbilo Road and Deodar Avenue (close to the Umbilo police station). The suspect was then arrested by SAPS and the second driver was treated for his injuries.
“We at Rescue Care would like to send our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the man that lost his life whilst trying to assist others. In regards to the theft of the ambulance we will be leaving all investigations up to the SAPS and assist them in whatever way they need to ensure the law takes its course,” concluded Jamieson.
