Cops Meet by Accident

According to a Metro Police Officer on scene, they pulled over a white Toyota Corolla whilst the driver allegedly operated his cellphone. The Metro Police vehicle and the vehicle they pulled over were in the the emergency lane of the highway when an off duty Metro Police officer collided into the back of the Metro Police vehicle.

At this stage it is unclear why he collided with the state vehicle. The two Metro Police Officers sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Sunninghill Hospital. The off duty Metro Officer also sustained minor injuries and was also transported to Sunninghill. His passenger was assessed by paramedics on scene.

Truck Plunges 70 Metres

At approximately 00h00 on 6 March 2007 paramedics were faced with a daring attempt to resuscitate a patient who crashed his truck on the N1 between Maraisburg and Randshow Road, SOUTH.

When paramedics arrived on scene they found a man believed to be in his late 20's. Provincial EMS was busy talking and attending to him. The man said he is not feeling well. The man was talking to paramedics on scene and suddenly collapsed. Paramedics from ER24 and Provincial EMS immediately started CPR on the man.

After an exhausting attempt, the man showed no life signs and was declared dead on scene. He most probably sustained severe internal injuries. Towing services and paramedics were shocked when the man they were talking to moments earlier suddenly had no pulse. They tried everything possible to save his life.

It appeared that the truck was travelling on the highway in a southern direction when he veered off the road and plummeted somewhat 70 metres down a cliff into a mine dump. The small truck he was driving showed severe mechanism and damages. It is unclear if the man climbed out of his truck after the accident or fell out.

Paramedics had to climb down the cliff to attend to the patient. The ground was very powdery and made it difficult to access the patient.

Towing personal of A1 Towing found the accident whilst doing patrol on the highway.
Metro Police will conduct an investigation.

First Fatality and Still Climbing

A car accident occurs when a vehicle traveling in a destine path change from it's pathway into another vehicle, ditch, pole, animal, another human being or anything that causes damage to a car.

In 2004 it was reported that car accidents kill almost 1.2 million people worldwide every year.

Everyday we are commonly using the word "car accident" when one or more vehicles collide with something, but almost 90% of these so called "accidents" are related to driver negligence.

General statistics show that the average person has a 6-8% chance of death in a two car collision. It appears that more vehicle rollovers occur when a single vehicle is involved. Bigger vehicles rollover more easily and has a greater chance of causing a fatality.

Mary Ward died on 31 August 1869 when she fell under a steam driven car in Ireland. She was the first fatality ever reported caused by a motor vehicle. The first person who died in an accident with a petrol driven car was Bridget Driscoll in 1896. She was a pedestrian at the time of the crash. On 25 February 1899 the first driver and passenger died in an accident when the rear wheel gave way and the driver collided with a brick wall.

Did you know that the Bethlehem bus crash on 1 May 2003 is the crash with the third highest fatality rate of 80 in the world? The second highest is the Lagos tanker disaster in 2000 with 100-200 fatalities and the highest in the world is the Salang tunnel fire with almost 2000 fatalities. The Bethlehem bus crash claimed 38 more lives than the Westdene bus crash. This month it is 20 years ago that the Westdene dam claimed 42 lives of children.

Unfortunately accident car accidents are a reality and will haunt us everyday of our lives. "It will never happen to me…" That's what they all say. Our country is changing, our lives are changing and most important the power of our vehicles is changing. Yet, people are reluctant to change. People don't take the necessary precaution anymore to make safety a number one priority on the road. Its "put foot" from the moment go.

Most of the accidents on our roads are preventable. Most of the accidents we attend to also include very young drivers. Some of them are inexperienced and "dicey". People have the tendency to show what they've got and sometimes pure pressure.

Drivers should take extra caution on the roads and think, not only for yourself, but for those around you.

On Time for Brain Surgery

This morning at 10h30 a member from the JMPD's Accident Investigation Unit came across a motor vehicle accident on the M1 highway after the 11th Avenue off ramp. Three vehicles collided into the back of each other. No one was injured, but the cars couldn't drive any further.

A family of three in a red corolla sustained severe damage to the rear of their vehicle and had to be towed. The Metro Officer quickly learned that the family were on their way from Potchefstroom to Pretoria's Little Company of Mary Hospital for an emergency brain surgery. One of the occupants of the vehicle was scheduled for a brain surgery at 11h00 in the Pretoria Hospital.

ER24 agreed to transport the patient with Metro Police escort through to the Little Company Of Mary Hospital. The family with all their belongings, were quickly loaded into the vehicles. Metro Police cleared the free way and ER24's ambulance, along with their rapid response unit rushed the patient off to Pretoria.

In the meanwhile, ER24's control room notified the hospital of the patient's ordeal and vehicles from Pretoria were placed on standby next to the N1 highway. The Johannesburg vehicles met up with the co-ordinated vehicles from Pretoria and quickly got the patient to the hospital.

Due to excellent team work and communication the patient was booked in and ready for preparation at 11h10. Fortunately none of the occupants sustained any injuries, but were also assessed en route to the hospital in Pretoria.

This is not a usual standard of operation, but could have changed the outcome between life and death.

Good luck and all the best to the family involved. ER24 Johannesburg and Pretoria along with Johannesburg Metro Police wishes you a speedy recovery.

17 Injured in Overturned Taxi

A dark coloured taxi and a white bakkie was travelling on the R59 when the taxi allegedly bumped into the bakkie. Both of the vehicles then overturned and came to a standstill a distance from each other. The taxi rolled over and landed on its wheels in the middle island of the highway. The bakkie also rolled over and landed on it's roof into the fast lane of the highway. The bakkie's canopy was lying next to it.

17 people, including the driver of the taxi were injured in the accident. 16 of the passengers were transported to the Natalspruit hospital by various ambulance services. One person had a medical aid and was transported in a stable condition to the Union Hospital. According to paramedics on scene, most of the patients were ejected from the rolling taxi. They have all sustained multiple injuries. All of the patients were stable on scene.

The driver of the white bakkie was uninjured and declined hospital transportation. He was assessed by paramedics on scene.

It is unknown why the taxi collided with the bakkie or what caused the roll overs. Ekhuruleni Metro Police attended the scene. A joint effort between numerous private and government services made transportation and treatment possible of all the patients.

Traffic was backed up in the direction of Vereeniging until the road was cleared of the overturned bakkie. Only one lane was open for the late night commuters.

Pedestrian killed on N1

A male pedestrian, believed to be in his early 30's was killed at approximately 20h03 this evening. A male driver of a black Audi collided with the pedestrian in the far left lane between the Rivonia and Buccleuch Interchange in a southern direction.

According to the driver of the Audi the pedestrian ran across the highway. He also mentioned that he tried to avoid hitting the pedestrian, but collided with him. The pedestrian collided with the middle front of the vehicle.

The pedestrian sustained multiple lacerations to his stomach and abrasions to his body. It is suspected that he died of massive internal injuries.

The driver of the Audi did not sustain any injuries and declined medical transportation from scene, however he was assessed by paramedics.

Cyclist Airlifted after Accident

A male cyclist has been knocked this morning at the intersection of Maxwell and Old Pretoria Main Road in Buccleuch. This incident occurred at approximately 06h20 this morning.

The unknown cyclist was traveling on Old Pretoria Main road in the direction of Sandton when a white Hi-Ace Taxi collided from behind with the cyclist. According to the taxi driver he entered the controlled intersection and the he collided with the cyclist. He did not state why or how it happened.

The cyclist's bike was dragged underneath the taxi for a distance and lodged itself under the taxi. The cyclist was found next to the intersection. He presented with severe injuries and may have suffered multiple internal and head injuries. The age of the cyclist is unknown.

Paramedics from numerous services dedicated their expertise and knowledge to save the man's life. Due to his extend of his injuries he was airlifted by helicopter to the Johannesburg General Hospital.

The road and intersection was closed for the duration of the medical evacuation.

14th Avenue Strikes Again

The notorious 14th avenue claimed yet again a serious accident this morning.

This morning at approximately 07h05 a bakkie carrying four occupants overturned on the N1 just before the 14th Avenue off ramp. It appeared that the vehicle was travelling on the N1 when it overturned several times.

The white bakkie came to a stand still on its side in the middle island of the highway. Some of the patients were found outside the vehicle.

The driver of the bakkie was entrapped in the vehicle and Florida Park Fire Station had to use the jaws-of-life to extricate the trapped man.

Paramedics from Netcare stabilized the driver and transported him to the Baragwanath Hospital. The other patients were transported by ER24 and Provincial EMS.

The traffic was affected in a northern direction and backed up all the way to Gordon road. At this stage it is not clear where the occupants were travelling to when the incident occurred.

Driver killed by Overturned Truck

On arrival paramedics found a truck lying on its side with bricks scattered to the side of it. Paramedics quickly learned that the 33 year old driver was still pinned partially underneath the truck. When paramedics investigated they found that the driver was deceased.

The driver of the truck was declared dead by ER24 and Life Healthcare Fourways paramedics. The man was still assessed after extrication for any signs of life. He sustained multiple injuries, most of them believed to be internal as he was crushed under the truck.

The Johannesburg Fire Department utilised heavy rescue equipment to free the body from the wreck and stabilize the truck for safety.

The driver was pinned in the truck for more than two hours, before he was extricated.

The owners of the transport company informed ER24 that there is suppose to be a co-driver with him in the truck. Paramedics form ER24 and Life Healthcare Fourways searched the area for the missing co-driver, but could not locate anyone. At the time when the body was removed the owners of the company could still not determine where the co-driver was and why he wasn't on the truck or no where to be found.

According to the one of the owners of the transport company, the driver knows the road as he drives it every day numerous times to deliver bricks to the estate.

It appears that the truck driver lost control over his truck when he went around a bend in the road.

Children from the St. Angsgers school in Lanseria was waiting for their school bus during the heavy rescue. Some of the kids were shocked that something so "big" could just fall over.

SAPS and JMPD investigated the accident.

Truck plummets 70 metres

At approximately 00h00 on 6 March 2007 paramedics were faced with a daring attempt to resuscitate a patient who crashed his truck on the N1 between Maraisburg and Randshow Road, SOUTH.

When paramedics arrived on scene they found a man believed to be in his late 20's. Provincial EMS was busy talking and attending to him. The man said he is not feeling well. The man was talking to paramedics on scene and suddenly collapsed. Paramedics from ER24 and Provincial EMS immediately started CPR on the man.

After an exhausting attempt, the man showed no life signs and was declared dead on scene. He most probably sustained severe internal injuries. Towing services and paramedics were shocked when the man they were talking to moments earlier suddenly had no pulse. They tried everything possible to save his life.

It appeared that the truck was travelling on the highway in a southern direction when he veered off the road and plummeted somewhat 70 metres down a cliff into a mine dump. The small truck he was driving showed severe mechanism and damages. It is unclear if the man climbed out of his truck after the accident or fell out.

Paramedics had to climb down the cliff to attend to the patient. The ground was very powdery and made it difficult to access the patient.

Towing personal of A1 Towing found the accident whilst doing patrol on the highway.
Metro Police will conduct an investigation.

Metro Cops Meet by Accident

According to a Metro Police Officer on scene, they pulled over a white Toyota Corolla whilst the driver allegedly operated his cellphone. The Metro Police vehicle and the vehicle they pulled over were in the the emergency lane of the highway when an off duty Metro Police officer collided into the back of the Metro Police vehicle.

At this stage it is unclear why he collided with the state vehicle. The two Metro Police Officers sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Sunninghill Hospital. The off duty Metro Officer also sustained minor injuries and was also transported to Sunninghill. His passenger was assessed by paramedics on scene.

Ambulance makes Gruesome Discovery

Two woman believed to be in their 30's and 40's were killed in what is believed a gruesome hit and run on the Mabopane highway.

An ER24 ambulance was on their way back from a emergency call-out in Akasia when they noticed people flagged them down at the Akasia turn-off robot on the Mabopane Highway at around 10h00.

When paramedics investigated they found two female bodies that was unrecognisable and severely deformed. It appeared that they have been driven over by a passing by vehicle. The one woman's one and arm was ripped off, the other's head was partially amputated.

According to bystanders on scene they have been hit by a taxi early this morning. Paramedics could not confirm the allegation and the police are questioning them regarding the information.

Paramedics declared them both dead on scene and police will investigate the incident. The police found a number plate on scene and might link it to the vehicle.

The two bodies were found next to the highway in the direction of DF Malan road.

At this stage it is unclear when exactly this incident took place, as the bodies appeared that they were completely bled out when paramedics arrived.

It is a gruesome sight and people flocked to the scene when they got word of the incident to try and identify the women.

Police have cordoned off the area and questioning people on scene.

Multiple Pedestrian Accidents

Beyers Naude and Chaplain, Randpark Ridge (19h20)

A 24 year old security guard is in a critical condition when he sustained multiple fractures when a Ford Fiesta collided with him when he closed a security boom in Chaplain Road. According to the driver of the Ford Fiesta he was entering the security area and the boom was open. The security guard, however, closed the boom. The driver of the Fiesta said he could not stop in time and collided with the security guard and the boom. The driver (32) sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene. The security guard was transported in a critical condition to Olivedale hospital.

Long and 8th , De La Rey (19h30)

A 42 year old male sustained sever throat injuries when he ran across Long Street and was hit by a passing car. The pedestrian fell through the windscreen of the car and sustained multiple cuts. He was rushed to the Helen Joseph Hospital for further medical management.

William Nicol at Dieplsoot Gate 2 (21h00)

A pedestrian was injured on the corners of the Diepsloot entrance when a car turned into the intersection and collided with the pedestrian. He sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.

William Nicol Fourways Boulevard (20h51)

A male in his forties limbs was almost partially ripped from his body when a black new VW beetle collided with him on William Nicol. According to a bystander, the pedestrian ran across the road and was the hit by the car. He sustained massive head injuries and Advanced Life Support Measures had to be taken to stabilize him on scene. He had multiple and severe fractures to his limbs and no pulses. He was rushed to the Johannesburg General Hospital for further medical management.
ER24, Life EMS, NetCare and Provincial EMS assisted in the difficult stabilization process.

Chaos on N1 - Midrand

The N1 North and South between New Road and Allandale was chaos this evening when four separate accidents occurred within a 500 meter stretch from each other. A total of 12 patients were injured in these accidents, including a nine year old boy.

Primary Accident (19h45)
The first accident occurred on the N1 north before the New Road turn off at approximately 19h45. A white bakkie overturned and five people were seriously injured in the collision. According to one of the patients, they were on their way home in Olifantsfontein after they attended a funeral in Johannesburg. The vehicle overturned after it allegedly swerved for another vehicle. People and catering equipment were scattered over the highway.

All of the patients were treated on scene mostly for head injuries and transported to a nearby hospital.

Secondary Accident (20h00)
A second accident occurred in the southern direction of the highway, directly opposite of the original overturned bakkie. Whilst paramedics were busy on the scene, a silver car crashed into a vehicle that was slowing down to look at the accident on the opposite side. The vehicle spun out of control and collided with the cement barrier. ER24 paramedics jumped over the barrier to assess the situation. Two people were injured in this collision and treated for neck and back injuries. They were transported in a stable condition to the Helen Joseph Hospital.

Tertiary Accident (20h10)
A third serious accident occurred on the southern direction at about 20h10. An ER24 vehicle was about to depart the secondary accident and six cars collided into each other, sending them spinning off into the barriers. This accident was caused, yet again, by someone slowing down to have a look at the accident on the opposite side of the road. Four people were injured with sever back and neck injuries in one of the vehicles that was involved. A nine year old boy sustained serious injuries to his left eye and head when he was thrown from the back of a corolla when it collided with one of the vehicles in front of it. The little boy rocketed from the back of the car to the front and was found lying on the back seat in a pool of blood. Fortunately paramedics were on the scene when the collision occurred and could render life saving treatment to all of the patients. They were all transported to various hospitals in the area.

And Another One… (20h51)
A fourth accident occurred whilst paramedics were busy with the third serious accident on the highway. This time two vehicles collided, again rear ended, under the New Road Bridge in the south direction. ER24 paramedics were informed of this accident by the president's convoy that traveled through the incident and came across it. Unfortunately for him, he was also stuck in traffic, and this wasn't even in peak hour. Two people were injured in this accident and transported by ER24 to the Carstenhof Clinic for further stabilization.

Fortunately no other incidents occurred after the fourth one. Paramedics were quickly on the scenes of all of the accidents. JMPD attended to all of the accidents.

Most of the accidents are a result of people not using a safe following distance and slowing down or stop to have a look at the first accident. As a result of this, three accidents followed the first one and could have claimed many lives.

Rescuer to be Rescued

Ravyn Siccardi, a paramedic from ER24, was travelling on the highway in the fast lane when she was involved in a serious accident. Her vehicle collided with a silver Mercedes in the fast lane and the two vehicles spun off in different directions after impact. Ravyn and her brother (John) was on their way home when the accident occurred.

The impact was so great that she pushed through the airbags and collided with the windscreen of the vehicle and causing it to brake. She sustained serious shoulder, chest and arm injuries. Paramedics from Johannesburg Fire Department were first on scene to assist. ER24 paramedics then transported her in her "own ambulance" which she use to work on to the Carstenhof Clinic. Ravyn's brother sustained injuries to his hands and arms. He was also transported per ambulance to the Carstenhof Clinic. Ravyn said that this is wrong, this isn't suppose to happen to us (paramedics), we need to help people, they mustn't help us. This time an angel was injured.

Meanwhile Mauro Siccardi, Ravyn's husband, was busy with paramedic training in Roodepoort when he heard about the accident. Mauro is also a full time paramedic with ER24 and assist with paramedic training in his off days. Mauro said that he used to make calls to families regarding accidents, not receiving them.

The male driver of the Mercedes was also assessed on scene and treated by paramedics. He didn't sustain any severe injuries and didn't want to go to hospital. He is also shocked about what had happened.