More than 10 people were injured in three accidents which occurred in quick succession on the N1 on Saturday, 10 February.
By about 11am that morning, one accident had already occurred just after the 14th Avenue on-ramp onto the N1 Northbound which had already led to a back-up in traffic.
Read initial article here: Major crash on N1 after 14th Avenue
It was during the clean-up of this accident that a truck-driver came around the bend on the on-ramp, and failed to notice the back-up in traffic. He then ploughed into the cars, eventually rear-ending a second truck which ricocheted into a third.
According to Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, there were numerous vehicles involved in the accident.
“There were three trucks and 10 cars involved in the accidents,” Minnaar said.
By the time the first truck came to a stop, it had already ploughed through the traffic like a snowplough in the middle of an American winter. The driver of the truck managed to jump out of the cab of the truck simply because his seat was hanging outside the cab after the impact.
While the clean-up of the second accident was underway, a third accident involving three other vehicles happened. It was suspected this truck driver also failed to stop.
Also Read: Multiple multi-vehicle accidents on N1 leave several injured
Fleet Watch magazine editor, Patrick O’Leary, was on the scene shortly after the accident occurred to document the damage sustained by the three trucks.
He also managed to speak to the driver of the truck that was hit by the one that failed to stop.
According to O’Leary, the manner in which JMPD dealt with the traffic while Sanral and others cleaned up the scene, was commendable.
“JMPD did a fantastic job in traffic control, while Sanral also had to clean up oil, diesel etc. with absorbent,” O’Leary stated.
According to Netcare 911’s Media Liaison, Nick Dollman, not everyone was as fortunate as the driver who alighted from his truck without a scratch.
“Two male patients sustained severe injuries and were attended to by Advanced Life Support paramedics from Netcare 911 and another private ambulance services,” Dollman stated.
“They were stabilised before being transported by ambulances to hospital for urgent medical intervention.”
He also stated that due to the size of the accident, the exact number of individuals treated is unknown, but they estimate that between 10 and 15 patients were treated.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
