'Chaos and carnage' on the N3 as a run-away truck bulldozed through traffic

At least 17 people were left injured in a massive crash involving multiple trucks and light motor vehicles on the N3 highway near Peacevale early on Thursday morning.

It has been reported that the driver of the vehicle of the attempted to flee from the scene but was apprehended.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma confirmed that it was Zambian driver that lost control of the runaway truck and he commend the members of the Road Traffic Inspectorate who apprehended the truck driver who attempted to flee.

The incident caused hours of closure and severe traffic delays as emergency services rushed to the scene.

According to ALS Paramedics, the crash occurred just after 7:30 am on the Pietermaritzburg-bound side of the freeway.

“ALS Paramedics responded to multiple calls of a serious crash involving multiple trucks and light motor vehicles,” they said in a statement.

On arrival, paramedics were met with a scene described as “chaos and carnage” after a truck, heavily laden, had allegedly lost control and collided with numerous vehicles.

“A truck fully loaded had somehow lost control and ploughed into multiple vehicles and trucks before coming to rest in the centre median,” ALS Paramedics said.

Approximately fifteen vehicles were involved in the crash.

Multiple ambulances and Advanced Life Support paramedics were dispatched. A triage area was quickly set up to manage the high number of casualties. One man was found severely entrapped in his vehicle, prompting a call for further assistance.

“The eThekweni Fire Department, together with the Redline Response Rescue unit, used the jaws of life to cut the man free,” the statement continued.

Due to the severity of the injuries, the Netcare911 Aeromedical Helicopter was dispatched for a rapid airlift for medical attention.

In total, seventeen people sustained injuries ranging from moderate to critical.

“Once all of them were stabilised on the scene, they were transported to various Durban Hospitals for the further care that they required,'' the statement said. 

The freeway remained closed for several hours whilst emergency personnel worked to clear the scene, they said. 

''At this stage, the events leading up to the crash are unknown, however, SAPS and RTI were in attendance and will be investigating further.''

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

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