In a freak accident, a motorist sustained serious injuries after a tree branch shattered the windscreen of his vehicle while he drove past a tree-felling operation on Marine Drive, St Mike’s yesterday.

South Coast Herald reports that KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service first responders encountered a harrowing scene.

“While maintenance crews were trimming trees alongside the roadway, a heavy branch broke free and fell directly onto the passing vehicle. The force of the impact caused the branch to penetrate the vehicle’s windscreen, striking the driver with significant force,” said Craig Botha of KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service.

Emergency response and hospitalisation

According to Botha, paramedics initiated emergency interventions for the single occupant of the vehicle, and a clinical assessment revealed that the driver had sustained serious injuries to the head and chest.

“The complexity of the scene required rapid stabilisation by the medical team before the patient could be safely moved to the ambulance. Once stabilised, the patient was rushed to a nearby hospital under advanced life support care for further specialised treatment,” added Botha.

Traffic disruption and investigation

The incident caused significant traffic congestion, with one lane of Marine Drive blocked for an extended period.

Members of the local fire department and law enforcement were on site to assist with scene safety, debris removal and traffic control.

The exact circumstances leading to the equipment or branch failure remain under investigation by the relevant authorities.

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