Durban – A truck, which was involved in a collision with a stationary minibus taxi, was looted by local residents while paramedics treated the injured on the N3 near the Tugela Plaza outside Ladysmith on Saturday.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala police said officers from the Ladysmith SAPS attended to the accident yesterday morning.
Gwala said it was alleged that a truck crashed into the back of a stationary mini bus.
She said a total of 21 people were injured during the accident, two of whom were badly injured.
“The truck was looted of its load prior to police arrival. It was carrying tomato sauce,” said Gwala.
ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said paramedics arrived on the scene just before 7.30am to find the provincial Emergency Medical Service already in attendance.
“A large truck was found lying on its side across the slow and emergency lane while the taxi was a short distance away. Several people were found seated along the roadside,” said Meiring.
He said paramedics assessed the patients and found that several people had sustained minor to moderate injuries.
“Fortunately, no fatalities were found. The patients were treated, and four were provided with pain-relief medication before they were transported to nearby hospitals for further care,” said Meiring.
Police said Ladysmith detectives are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving.
