Deadly crash on Moloto road as two trucks crash head-on
[Pretoria 18 January 2012 14:30]
Two large trucks crashed head on, on the Moloto Road outside of Pretoria. The accident happened approximately 10 kilometers north of the Roodeplaat Nature Reserve. It is not clear as yet as to what caused the accident, but both drivers, and only occupants of the trucks were badly injured.
The local Emergency Services arrived at the scene and soon after the ER24 Discovery Medicopter was alerted to the incident. Both trucks were ripped apart and the metal crushed around the occupants. Cargo on the back of one of the truck was strewn across the street and the road would need to be closed while Emergency Personnel were on the scene.
The driver of one of the trucks was in critical need of rapid transportation to hospital as he had severe and extensive injuries. He was cut out of the cabin of his truck by the Fire and Rescue workers using the Jaws of Life. Paramedics attended to him inside the wreck as best they could in the small space, and placed him on life saving equipment. Once removed he was loaded into the Medicopter and was airlifted to the Life Eugene Marais Hospital for further care. The young man, appearing to be in his 20′s, was handed over to waiting trauma staff in a critical condition. He would need care for multiple injuries including broken bones, internal injuries and a suspected head injury.
The driver of the second truck was rapidly taken to Montana hospital by ambulance for further care. Although he too sustained extensive injury, he was in a stable condition as he was taken to hospital.
Police will need to investigate what the cause of the accident was.
Vanessa Jackson, ER24
