Eight vehicle accidents were reported on Spring Day on 1 September around Johannesburg, leaving a total of 61 people injured.
Max Cohen, spokesperson for Emer-G-Med, said they responded to the accidents which saw people sustaining minor to moderate injuries. The accidents occurred in Melville, Northriding, Sandton, Rosebank and Fourways.
“Five of the injured people sustained serious injuries that required advanced life support care. Six taxis, two motorbikes, eight cars and an 18-wheeler truck were involved in the eight accidents that occurred,” said Cohen.
He said that one of the accidents happened in Parktown and involved a taxi and a school transport bus, which left seven children with minor to moderate injuries. Allegedly the taxi lost control at speed, resulting in the collision. The patients were treated at the scene and transported to various facilities for further care.
In another accident involving a taxi where 16 people were injured on Barry Hertzhog Avenue, the cause of the accident is unknown and Metro police were on the scene to investigate. Just after midday, another serious taxi accident occurred on the corner of Glenhove and Oxford roads in Rosebank. It is alleged that the taxi driver lost control, hit the pavement and rolled, leaving 16 passengers with minor to moderate injuries.
Wayne Minnaar, spokesperson for Metro police said the accidents will be reported and investigated by the police and the drivers found to be driving recklessly will be charged. “Reckless driving is a contributing factor to injuries and deaths on our roads.”
