paramedix.cpr

Policeman Injured in Collision

2009-04-09T12:06:00.000+02:00

A off duty policeman has been injured this evening in a collision. The incident took place just after 8pm this evening at the corners of Moore and Gale street in Umbilo. When ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene, they found two motor vehicles in the intersection and the police officer still seated in the driver seat. ER24 Advance Life Support paramedic Brian Hamilton had to give the patient some pain medication before the paramedics could move him He had suffered possible neck and back injuries, plus was complaining of severe pain to his right shoulder. He was transported to hospital in a serious but stable condition.
It is alleged that the police officer had just finished his shift at the Umbilo Police Station and was travelling along Gale street when the collision occurred. It is unclear who was at fault but no serious injuries were noted from the other vehicle.

Pedestrian Killed

2009-03-18T13:36:00.001+02:00

A pedestrian was killed this morning on the corners of South and Dartfield Roads in Morningside.

Paramedics from ER24 and Provincial Emergency Services attended the incident and found the man lying in the middle of South Road, a few meters away from a Toyota Tazz.

Paramedics assessed the pedestrian and found that he sustained multiple injuries. It is suspected that he died on impact.

The driver of the vehicle (middle aged - security guard) said he was on his way home when the collision occurred. The man (driver) was assessed on the scene. He did not sustain any injuries.

According to witnesses on the scene, the pedestrian allegedly walked in front of the Tazz whilst the vehicle was traveling on South Road towards Morningside.

The area has been cordoned off by Metro Police and the incident will be investigated by the department.

Traffic is severely affected in both directions on South Road.

Fire vehicle Crashed

2009-03-17T07:06:00.002+02:00

CAPE TOWN [Table View] Intersection of Koeberg Road and Plattekloof Road on 09 March 2009 at 17h00

Eleven people were injured, of which three were firefighters, when three vehicles had a collision at the intersection of Koeberg Road and Plattekloof Road in Table View this evening.

The Fire Department vehicle, a bakkie which was responding to a call in Du Noon for 'shacks alight' which turned out to be a hoax call, was involved in a collision with a Toyota Quantum taxi and another private vehicle. The exact events of the incident was unclear to paramedics on the scene but the taxi and Fire Department vehicle did allegedly hit head on.

The three firefighters were taken by ER24 ambulances to Blaauwberg Hospital for further treatment of their moderate injuries. Seven people who were riding in the taxi were taken to a nearby hospital and all sustained minor injuries, another lady who was in the third vehicle was also taken to hospital from the scene.

The intersection was closed to traffic leaving Table View in the direction of Milnerton and was diverted up Plattekloof Road, as well as Plattekloof Road entering Table View was diverted up Koeberg Road in the direction of Milnerton. This put heavy pressure on peak hour traffic, the police were on scene and will be investigating the incident.

Bakkie Wedged in Tree - One Killed

2009-03-15T15:14:00.002+02:00

One person is deceased and two other’s are in a serious condition after the motor vehicle plunged off the freeway and got wedge into a tree. The incident took placed in the early hours of this morning. ER24 Advanced Life Support Paramedic Brian Hamilton was the first person on the scene, found one patient lying on the floor and another two patients still entrapped inside the bakkie that was in the tree.

The patient on the floor who was ejected from the bakkie was a in a serious condition and was transported to hospital with multiple injuries. It took paramedics and fire department over three hours to extricate the patients from the bakkie using the Jaws of Life and other mechanical equipment. The passenger was treated for serious injuries and transported to hospital. The driver, who had to be intubated while still entrapped, died later on the scene due to the severity of his injuries.

It is believed the driver was travelling on the M7 towards Durban when he may have lost control in the wet weather and went off the road. All three patients were in there early twenty’s.

SAPS and Fire Department were in attendance

Several Collisions - One Dead

2009-03-15T15:10:00.003+02:00

Paramedics attended to numerous collisions today after the rain started in the northern parts of Johannesburg.

The most serious collision paramedics attended to was in Fairlands where a 24 year old motor biker died. Paramedics from ER24 that attended the scene found the man lying several meters from his bike. He sustained multiple injuries and there was nothing that paramedics could do to save the man's life.

It is understood from bystanders that the man apparently clipped a passing motor vehicle whilst traveling on 14th Avenue towards Roodepoort. After allegedly clipping the motor vehicle, the man lost control over his bike and collided with the rear of a bakkie at an intersection throwing him off his bike onto the tarmac. A women in the bakkie was treated for minor injuries on the scene.

ER24 also attended to numerous collisions on the N3 and N1 highway. A three car pile-up on the N1 between Allandale and New Roads left a woman injured. She sustained possible spinal injuries and had to be transported to a nearby hospital for further medical management.

Three security guards were also injured on the N1 North after Allandale when the vehicle they traveled in collided with a vehicle in front of them.

Another tow truck driver has also been injured on the N3 highway near Marlboro. Paramedics responded to an incident at the London Bridge on the N3 and found a two car pile-up. A woman was injured in this collision. She was treated for cuts on her head and face.

Moments later ER24 received notification of an incident less than 500 meters north on the N3 of the previous collision. On arrival paramedics found a tow truck that overturned several times and landed in the middle of the highway on its side. The driver sustained more serious injuries and he was treated on the scene. A female passenger in the truck sustained minor injuries.

As paramedics departed the incident from the tow truck, another call was received for an incident again on the N3. This time approximately one kilometer north from the current incident.

Paramedics found a bakkie that overturned and was lying on its side next to the highway. Two people were injured in this collision. The driver and his passenger sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital.

Four people were injured when their Mazda 323 overturned several times on Copper House Road near Zandspruit. It is understood that the driver lost control over his vehicle in the wet weather and the car overturned resulting it to land in a veld next to the road.

All of the occupants sustained multiple injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for further medical assessment.

A young lady were injured on the corners of William Nicol and Witkoppen Drives whilst on her way to take her dog to the Fourways Vet. The woman's vehicle and a bakkie collided causing the woman to sustain multiple cuts on her head. The woman had to be taken to the hospital. She was very concerned about her dog and paramedics arranged for the dog (Dachshund) to be taken to the Vet whilst she was transported by ambulance to the Life Fourways Hospital.

Structural Collapse

2009-03-15T15:07:00.001+02:00

One person has been injured this morning after a building collapsed at the corners of Stanger and Pine Street. The side of the one story building collapsed onto the road, causing part of the busy road to be closed to traffic. When ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene, they were directed to a patient that had been injured in the accident. The patient was treated for moderate to serious injuries and transported to a near by hospital for further treatment.

It is believed that the workers were busy renovating the building when the wall collapsed. Out of the three workers only the one was injured. SAPS Search and Rescue dog unit was called in to do a search of the area just in case of some one been entrapped underneath the rubble. No deaths were recorded at this scene.

2009-03-15T15:05:00.001+02:00

A tow truck driver is in a critical condition after a 20 ton truck carrying bricks drove over his bakkie in Douglasdale this morning.

Paramedics from ER24 that arrived first on the scene found a chaotic scene covered with bricks that were flung from the truck during the collision.

The tow truck driver was found, barely breathing trapped partially under his vehicle. Paramedics knew that they had to rescue the man from the vehicle as soon as possible in order to save his life, as it was extremely difficult to reach him.

Fire fighters had to use the jaws of life to cut parts of the bakkie away from the man in order to free him quickly. The man was placed on life support equipment once he was out of the vehicle and paramedics utilized all of their knowledge and skills to save the man's life.

After almost an hour trapped in his bakkie, the man was freed and rushed off to Sandton Medi-Clinic for further medical management.

Another man also sustained critical injuries to his chest. He was found a few meters down the road next to his Toyota Yaris. It is understood that the tow truck and the truck collided head on with each other where after the truck driver apparently lost control and collided head on with the Yaris before smashing through a house wall next to the road leaving a trail of bricks.

The man in the Yaris was also attended to by paramedics and treated for serious chest injuries. He was also rapidly transported to hospital for further medical management.

Three occupants, including the driver of the truck, was injured in this collision. They sustained only minor injuries and were assessed by paramedics on the scene.

The road was completely closed off for traffic and the Johannesburg Metro Police will be investigating the incident.

Shooting at Church

2009-03-15T15:04:00.000+02:00

A 50 year old man was shot execution style in the mouth last night at the Riversong Church north of Randburg.

Paramedics from ER24 that arrived first on the scene found the man lying outside the doors of the church with a serious wound to his mouth and face.

Bystanders explained to paramedics that the man went outside during the congregation and when he opened the door an alleged armed robber pushed a gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger. The man fell to the ground in a critical condition.

It is understood that the robbers then went inside of the church and demanded cash and jewelry from the people inside of the church. A 19 year old girl was apparently pistol whipped by one of the robbers. She sustained minor head injuries and is in a stable condition.

Paramedics had to act quickly and placed the man that was shot in the mouth on life support and rushed him off to a nearby hospital for further medical management. He is in a critical condition in the hospital.

The South African Police Services attended the scene and will be investigating.

Fatal Stabbing at School

2009-03-15T15:03:00.000+02:00

A 18yr old school pupil has been stabbed and killed while on his way to school this morning. The incident took place just 300m before the Marrian Ridge Secondary School. Fire department were on the scene and had been doing CPR before ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene. Not long afterwards the patient was declared deceased, he had suffered massive stab wounds to his shoulder and chest region.

The community were distraught over the lose of such a young boy that was in his final year of school. It is believed that the young boy had an argument with a friend yesterday and continued again this morning. The friend who the police have identified are trying to locate him, if any body has any information to contact the nearest police station.

Head on Collision - Bromhof

2009-03-15T14:49:00.004+02:00

A 26 year old man is in a serious condition after a head on collision on President Fouche Drive this afternoon.Just after 16:00 paramedics arrived at the incident a nd found a Mazda and a Hyundai that were severely damaged. A man was found trapped behind the steering wheel of his Mazda with serious injuries.

Paramedics from ER24 tried to stabilize the man in the car, but had to call in the fire department to rescue the man with the jaws of life. An ER24 Doctor attended the scene and assisted with the stabilization of the man once he was rescued from the wreck.

A four year old girl and her mom were also injured. They were traveling in the Hyundai at the time of the collision.

According to eyewitnesses on the scene, the Hyundai was traveling towards Malibongwe Drive on President Fouche and the Mazda was stationary at the robot. The witness explained that one of the vehicles tried to enter the intersection and caused the collision.

Metro Police and Douglasdale Police attended the incident. The road was closed off at Malibongwe and CR Swart Drives during the rescue operations.

Shongweni

2008-03-21T07:47:00.001+02:00

14 people were injured this morning, after the taxi they were traveling

in went up an embankment and rolled. The accident took place at about
06h45 this morning, on the Shongweni Old Main Road, near the Castle.
When the paramedics arrived on the scene they found the Condor lying on
its roof and that all the passengers were lying on the road side.

Twelve patients suffered minor to moderate injuries. Two other patient
who were more serious, suffered fractures and severe lacerations. All
the patients were quickly stabilized on the scene and were transported
to near by hospital for further treatment.

It is unclear how the accident occurred but the passengers told the
driver to slow down before the corner, by this time the driver had lost
control and went up the embankment and rolled 3 times.

M13 Eastbound

2008-03-21T07:44:00.001+02:00

Traffic came to a standstill this morning at about 8h30, on the M13 East Bound near Blaire Athol off ramp, due to a bus that had caught alight. The bus was traveling on the M13 east bound when the driver noticed smoke bellowing from the engine. He quickly took evasive procedure and was able to stop the bus off the road away from harm of other motor vehicles. With in minutes the bus was engulfed in flames.

Fire Department was quickly assembled to the scene, and was able to put the fire out. No body was injured, as the bus was empty at this time. Traffic was backlog all the way to Dawn cliff in Cowie's Hill; some motorist took it upon them self's to reverse back up the freeway to take another route to work.

N2 Northbound Claire Road Bridge

2008-03-21T07:40:00.002+02:00

10 people were injured this morning, 3 of which were in a serious condition
after a collision occurred on the N2 North bound, near Claire Road Bridge.
It is believed that a truck was travelling along the busy stretch of
Freeway, when it is alleged that he hit a pedestrian. The driver came to
stop in the emergency lane, to go and see if the pedestrian was okay. The
driver of the 1 tonner Bakkie came around the corner and was unable to stop
in time and collided into the back of the truck.

When ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene, they found patients sitting up
against the Armco Barrier and members of public were using a pick axe to try
and free the driver and passenger who were entrapped in the bakkie. The
driver and passenger were entrapped due to the dash board was pushed up
against there legs. Fire department had to use the Jaws of Life to free the
men. Both men had multiple injuries and fractures; they were stabilized on
the scene and were transported to hospital in a serious but stable
condition.

The other 6 men sustained minor to moderate injuries and were transported
threw to Addington Hospital. The pedestrian who was walking around on scene,
started to deteriorate, it was found that the truck had stuck the man with
such a force that his lung had collapsed. He was rushed off to Hospital were
he is recovering well from his injuries.

Spaghetti Junction Crash

2008-03-21T07:36:00.002+02:00

At approximately 09H25 this morning, traffic was brought to a stand still on

the N3 and N2 at spaghetti junction after a container truck lost control and
crashed. The truck which was traveling on the N2 onramp towards the North
coast, lost control at the beginning of the curve in the road and mounted
the barrier wall. The momentum pushed the truck and trailer over the barrier
where it fell, and landed on the N3 west bound. The truck then slid across
all three lanes and struck the crash barrier. The crash barrier gave way
under the force of the impact and the cab continued over the gap and came to
rest in the fast lane of the N3 east bound. The trailer's container clamps
the broke allowing the container to break free spilling its contents over
the road. The trailer then fell between the two N3 carriageways and came to
rest on the fast and middle lanes of the N2 southbound below.

Er24 paramedic Tristan Manning said the cab of the truck was completely
crushed, killing the driver instantly and entrapping his body. A Mercedes
Benz was damaged after being struck by falling debris from the truck but the
driver was fortunate to escape serious injury. The N3 remained closed to
traffic until the late hours of the afternoon as Metro fire and hazmat
crew's continued to clean up the spilt fuel and container contents.

M7 Paralysed

2008-03-21T07:32:00.002+02:00

A horrific collision has occurred on the M7 this morning, involving 10 cars

and 3 trucks. The accident took place at about 07h20 this morning during
peak hour. The cause of the accident is that a truck travelling on the M7
east bound may have had mechanical problems and was an able to stop. The
truck came down the freeway, colliding into anything that was in his way.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found over 10 cars scatted all
over the freeway. 2 trucks were still in the far left hand lane but had cars
stuck under them. Paramedic's hearts dropped, thinking this was another
Monday all over again said ER24 spokes person Derrick Banks. When we got
closer we found people were walking around and were in shock.

Over 20 people were assessed on the scene and were treated for shock; only 7
people had to be taken to hospital for further hospital treatment.

EMRS, Metro Police, Fire Department and RTI were in attendance.

Man Jumps from Burning Taxi

2008-03-20T20:07:00.001+02:00

A man was treated for head injuries after he allegedly jumped out of a burning taxi on the N1 highway this evening.

Paramedics quickly responded to the scene and found the man sitting next to the highway against the barrier. The man and fellow occupants explained that they suddenly noticed the taxi was on fire and was not stopping. The man opened the door and jumped out of the moving taxi.

He sustained multiple injuries to his face and head. He was also treated on the scene for multiple injuries on the rest of his body. Another occupant of the taxi was also injured whilst trying to get out of the taxi when it came to a standstill down the highway in the slow lane. He was treated for injuries to his leg.

The two injured occupants were transported by ER24 EMS to a nearby hospital for further medical management.

According to bystanders the taxi was full at the time, but no one else were injured.

The Johannesburg Fire and Metro Police Departments attended the scene. The cause for the fire is not known. Traffic was severely congested as the highway was closed off for a duration.

One died in Highway Collision

2008-03-20T20:04:00.002+02:00

A man has died and two others are in a serious condition when their Hyundai Getz they were traveling in allegedly collided with a tree next to the N1 Highway near the Maraisburg off ramp.

Paramedics that arrived first on the scene found one of the occupants, presumed to be the driver, outside of the vehicle. Two other occupants had to be cut out of the vehicle with the jaws of life.

One of the occupants had no life signs and paramedics initiated CPR on the scene in order to regain a pulse. Due to the massive injuries the man sustained during the accident, paramedics could not regain a pulse and he was declared dead on the scene.

Two of the other men sustained multiple injuries and was rushed off by ER24 and Netcare to a nearby hospital for further medical management.

The exact cause of the accident is not yet known. The Johannesburg Metro Police attended the accident and will investigate.

Lady Killed in Truck Smash

2008-03-20T19:53:00.002+02:00

A 21 year old lady was killed this evening in a horror crash in Wilgeheuwel on the West Rand.

ER24 EMS paramedics that arrived first on the scene found a white Opel Corsa mangled next to a 26-wheeler truck on Hendrik Potgieter drive. Paramedics quickly noticed the young lady trapped behind the steering wheel of the mangled Corsa.

She sustained multiple and fatal injuries. Paramedics tried everything possible to regain any life sign, but were unable to do so due to the extent of her injuries.

It is understood that the lady was on her way home in Florida Glen after visiting her brother in Wilgeheuwel. It is only known that her vehicle and a truck collided with each other on Hendrik Potgieter drive.

The cause for the accident is not yet known and will be investigated by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department. The Johannesburg Fire Department had to use the Jaws of Life to free her body from the wreck.

The area was closed off for the duration. Family members attended the scene.

No one else was injured in this accident.

Suspects Cause Havoc

2008-03-20T19:52:00.000+02:00

Alleged suspects caused havoc this afternoon in Garsfontein when the vehicle they were traveling in allegedly collided head-on with a city council truck.

Five people were injured in this accident. Two children aged seven and 10 years old were stabilized by paramedics on the scene and transported to a nearby hospital.

It is understood that the Toyota Corolla they were traveling in also collided with the truck and the sucpect's car (Citi Golf). The driver sustained minor injuries and was treated on the scene by paramedics.

ER24 EMS treated two of the alleged suspects for moderate injuries. They were transported to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment. No one was injured in the truck.

The cause for the accident is not known.

16 Injured in Taxi Smash

2008-03-20T19:51:00.000+02:00

16 People have been injured in a collision between a taxi and a Nissan Hard Body near Roodepoort yesterday.

Paramedics from ER24 EMS that arrived on the scene found some of the people scattered next to the taxi and two men still trapped in their bakkie.

Two occupants of the taxi sustained serious injuries and is in a critical condition. The remainder of the 14 patients were treated on the scene and rushed off to a nearby hospital.

It is understood that the Nissan was traveling on Main Reef Road towards Johannesburg when the incident occurred.

The exact cause for the accident is not known.

Crime and Crash

2008-03-20T19:49:00.003+02:00

A 33 year old lady is in a serious condition after she was involved in a serious car accident on the N1 highway near the Rivonia on ramp.

Paramedics from ER24 EMS that arrived first on the scene, found a silver vehicle completely smashed in the middle of the highway. A lady with serious injuries was lying a few meters from the wreckage.

Paramedics quickly initiated emergency protocol and treated the lady for multiple injuries on the scene. She was stabilized and rushed off to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment.

It is not known if the lady was thrown from her vehicle during the crash or how she got to the side of the road. It is believed that the lady was on her way home when the incident occurred.

Paramedics were informed by numerous bystanders and witnesses on scene that the lady was apparently the victim of crime and not only a car crash.

Witnesses explained that seconds after the car came to a standstill in the middle of the highway, a white taxi stopped and some of the occupants got out and grabbed items from the car before fleeing in the taxi again.

Pedestrian Killed on Highway

2008-03-20T19:47:00.000+02:00

A pedestrian was killed this morning on the N1 highway near the Golden Highway in the south of Johannesburg.

Paramedics from ER24 EMS were returning from a previous incident when they noticed people standing next to the highway. Paramedics stopped to investigate and found a male believed to be in his late 20's lying in the middle island of the highway.

The man sustained multiple injuries when he was apparently knocked down by a passing vehicle. The man showed no signs of life and was declared dead due to the the massive injuries he sustained.

A lady was also treated on the scene for minor cuts and bruises. She was apparently traveling in the vehicle that collided with the pedestrian.

The Johannesburg Metro Police attended the scene and will be investigating.

Three Saved by Tree

2008-03-20T19:45:00.001+02:00

Three people were lucky to escape with only minor injuries after their car landed in a life saving tree.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene found the red VW Polo wedged between the branches of the tree meters from a somewhat 20 meter drop.

All of the occupants were outside the vehicle when paramedics arrived on the scene. A lady sustained minor cuts on one of her hands and two gentlemen sustained minor injuries.

The driver of the car explained that the car skidded out of control in the bend between Smit Street and Jan Smuts Drive on the M1 highway. The vehicle then collided with the side barrier and flipped into the tree preventing it from falling down the embankment.

All three of the occupants could have sustained serious injuries if the car fell down the embankment. No other vehicles were involved in this accident.

Six Car Chaos

2008-03-20T19:43:00.001+02:00

Three people were injured when six cars collided with each other on the M1 highway near the Oxford off ramp last night.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found cars scattered over the highway with people standing around near the dangerous bend on the highway.

Paramedics quickly initiated emergency treatment and three people were treated on scene and taken to hospital. One of the victims sustained a chest injury.

The cause for the accident is not known, but is understood that one of the vehicles might have lost control around the bend on the wet highway and collided with the side barrier. Cars that proceeded around the bend could not swerve in time to avoid the first collision and secondary collisions occurred.

Paramedics acted quickly to clear the patients from the scene in order to remove the vehicles to prevent another collision.

Only one lane remained open for traffic.

Cash In Transit Crash

2008-02-05T18:48:00.000+02:00

Two people have been injured when their cash in transit vehicle they were travelling in overturned on Main Reef Road near Dobsonville this evening.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene feared for the worst when they saw the overturned cash vehicle. Fire fighters had to use rescue equipment to free one of the trapped occupants of the cash vehicle through the front window and door. He sustained multiple injuries and was stabilized on the scene. Fire fighters struggled over 30 minutes to rescue the man from the vehicle.

A fellow colleague who was in the vehicle at the time of the crash, was stabilized on the scene and treated by Netcare paramedics.

Paramedics from ER24 EMS stabilized the trapped victim and rushed him off to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

According to bystanders on the scene, the cash in transit vehicle and an Audi TT apparently tried to change lanes at the same time and collided with each other. Both of the vehicles lost control and veered off the road into an open veld where the cash van overturned.

The male driver of the Audi did not sustain any injuries, but was assessed on the scene.

The SAPS and JMPD attended the scene whilst the cash was transferred. The Johannesburg Metro Police will be investigating the accident.

Quick Action of FireFighters Saved a Life

2008-02-05T18:46:00.000+02:00

Quick action of firefighters saved the life on scene of a man that was rescued from his wrecked vehicle on Grayston Drive.

At approximately 12h40 this afternoon ER24 Emergency Services responded to a serious accident in Sandown. On the arrival of paramedics, it was noticed that the Johannesburg Fire Department (Sandton) initiated CPR on - who is believed to be the driver - of a smashed bakkie. The bakkie smashed head on with a tree in the middle of Grayston Drive.

It is understood that the man was pulse less and still trapped behind the steering wheel of his vehicle. The fire department used rescue tools to quickly free the man. Paramedics and fire fighters continued CPR for about 20 minutes before the man regained a pulse. The man was rushed off to the Morningside Medi Clinic in a critical condition for further medical treatment.

Two other occupants from the bakkie were also rescued by the fire department from the vehicle. Both of the men sustained serious injuries and were transported in a stable condition to a nearby hospital.

It is not clear how the accident occurred, but the incident will be investigated by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department.

No other vehicles were involved.

Paramedic Injured

2008-02-05T18:45:00.000+02:00

An off duty paramedic and his wife were injured in a motor vehicle accident last night in Fourways.

It is understood that two vehicles collided at the intersection of Monte Casino Blvd and William Nicol Drive shortly after seven last night.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene, found the paramedic and his wife in their vehicle at the time. His wife sustained a serious fracture to her forearm and had to be taken to the Life Fourways Hospital for further medical treatment. The medic received full impact in his side of the vehicle and was also treated on the scene before he was taken to the same hospital.

The driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries and was assessed on the scene. It is understood that he declined hospital transportation. The cause of the accident is not known.

The Johannesburg Metro Police attended the scene.

Park Agent Critical

2008-02-05T18:44:00.000+02:00

A Johannesburg Park Agent was allegedly knocked down by a taxi this morning on Beyers Naude drive whilst he was busy cutting grass.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene, found the man - still in uniform - lying on Beyers Naude Drive. He sustained serious injuries and was in a critical condition. Whilst on the scene, the man lost his pulse and paramedics initiated CPR. He sustained multiple injuries to his body and paramedics had to work quickly to save his life.

Approximately 20 minutes later, the man regained a pulse and was rushed off by Netcare Ambulance to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment.

The taxi driver was not injured. The exact cause of the accident is not known and will be investigated by the Johannesburg Metro Police. The Metro Police questioned the taxi driver on the scene.

Distraught colleagues stood next to the road watching whilst paramedics were busy trying to stabilize the critically injured man.

Two Year Old Critical

2008-02-05T18:42:00.000+02:00

A two year old boy is in a critical condition after a white VW Jetta overturned this afternoon on the N1 highway near Diepkloof.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene found the Jetta lying in the middle of the highway with five of its occupants outside of the vehicle. It is understood that bystanders pulled all of the occupants from the vehicle shortly after the crash.

A bystander on the scene explained that the vehicle was travelling on the N1 highway towards Maraisburg when it suddenly swerved from the road into the middle island. It collided with a tractor tire filled with sand and overturned several times.

The impact was so great that the sand-filled tire landed about 20 meters from the car.

Paramedics from ER24 EMS, Netcare and Province joined forces to fight for the life of the young boy. It appears that he sustained a serious head injury. The male driver and three other occupants were also treated on the scene for multiple injuries.

All of the occupants were transported to nearby hospitals for further medical treatment.

The exact cause of the accident is not yet known and the Johannesburg Metro Police will be investigating the accident.

Fortunately the vehicle did not collided with oncoming traffic on the highway.

Head On Collision in Maraisburg

2008-02-05T18:40:00.000+02:00

Three people have been injured this morning in a head on collision in Maraisburg.

Paramedics from ER24 Emergency Services responded to 6th Street in Maraisburg this morning and found that two vehicles collided with each other.

A young man believed to be in his early 20's and his mother were injured in their red vehicle they were travelling in at the time. Another man was injured in his silver bakkie. It is understood that one of the vehicles might have lost control around the bend in 6th Street before the collision.

ER24 EMS paramedics extricated the mother and her son from the vehicle. Both of them were treated on the scene and transported per ambulance to a nearby hospital.

The driver of the silver bakkie was treated on the scene, but declined hospital transportation.

The exact cause for the accident is not known.

Horror as Car Splits in Two

2008-02-05T18:39:00.001+02:00

A man was killed this morning in a horror crash on the N1 highway under the William Nicol Drive bridge.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene found a bizarre scene when they saw that a white Mercedes was split in two by the bridge. It appears that the vehicle was travelling north bound at the time of the accident.

On further investigation paramedics found a young male - believed to be the driver - still trapped in the vehicle. He sustained fatal injuries and he was declared dead on the scene.

The Johannesburg Fire Department had to use rescue and hydraulic equipment to cut the body out of the vehicle. The man could not be identified on the scene.

The exact cause of the accident is not known and will be investigated by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department.

Traffic was slow in both directions as curious onlookers slowed down to look at the mangled wreck.

Attempted Hijacking

2008-02-05T18:38:00.001+02:00

A 21 year old man sustained serious injuries when he was the victim of an attempted hijacking this morning.

Just before 02h00 this morning paramedics from ER24 Emergency Services were called to a complex in Without Street, Weltevredenpark.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene found the 21 year old lying in the house at the time. He sustained serious injuries to his face, head and possible fractures to his hands and wrists.

It is understood that he was visiting a friend in the complex and was about to leave when an unknown amount of men tried to hijack his Toyota Corolla outside the complex. The 21 year old put up a vicious fight. It is understood that the suspected hijackers fled the scene after a vicious fight broke out.

He was severely assaulted and his friend, who noticed something is wrong, found him lying next to his vehicle outside the complex. His friend dragged him into the house for further safety.

Paramedics from ER24 EMS stabilized him on the scene and transported him to the Life Flora Clinic for further medical management.

8 Y/o Injured In Crash

2008-02-05T18:36:00.000+02:00

A family of three have been seriously injured, including their eight year old daughter in a head on collision on the Randfontein Road near Corlett Drive this morning.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene found the two vehicles a few meters from each other. One of the vehicles was completely engulfed in flames and the Johannesburg Fire Department had to extinguish the flames.

According to bystanders on scene, the occupants of the Audi (burnt out vehicle) fled the scene shortly after the crash. Their injuries are unknown.

Paramedics from ER24 Emergency Services and Netcare treated the family in the other vehicle. The male driver was trapped behind the steering wheel of his vehicle and the Fire Department had to use the jaws of life to rescue him from his wreck. He sustained multiple injuries and was in a serious condition at the time. Paramedics from ER24 EMS transported the man to the Leratong Hospital for further medical management.

The driver's 31 year old wife and eight year old daughter was outside of the vehicle at the time. Both of them were treated on the scene for multiple cuts, bruises and possible spinal injuries. They were transported by Netcare to the Leratong Hospital.

The exact cause of the accident is not yet known and will be investigated.

Biker Killed at Gordon

2008-02-05T18:35:00.001+02:00

A biker was killed this morning in a chaotic collision on the N1 highway near the Gordon off ramp. Another rider is in a serious condition.

It is understood that the motorbike allegedly collided with a bakkie in the middle lane of the highway sending the bike and its two riders into the side barrier. The bike continued to travel over 200 metres across the highway into a stationary Metro Police vehicle and landed on the opposite side of the highway, facing oncoming traffic.

According to bystanders on the scene, both of the bike's riders were viciously thrown from the bike onto the highway. Paramedics from ER24 Emergency Services that arrived first on the scene tried to resuscitate the woman, but due to the massive injuries she was declared dead on the scene. The driver - believed to be her husband - was treated on the scene for serious injuries and transported by the Provincial Ambulance Services to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment.

A Johannesburg Metro Police vehicle was protecting a stationary bus in the middle lane of the highway when the motorbike continued to skid in its direction. The motorbike collided with the rear end of the Police vehicle. None of the Metro Police Officers were injured.

The Metro Police will be investigating the accident.

The highway was closed and only a part of the fast lane remained open for traffic.

Two Serious In Maraisburg Crash

2008-02-05T18:33:00.000+02:00

Two men have been seriously injured when their red Mazda collided with a bridge pillar next to the N1 highway near the Maraisburg off ramp this afternoon.

It is understood that the red Mazda was travelling south on the N1 when the driver apparently lost control over the vehicle. The vehicle smashed into a side pillar in the middle island causing the vehicle to spun out of control and overturn several times.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene found the two men outside of the vehicle. Both of them were in a serious condition with multiple injuries. Paramedics had to initiate advanced life support on one of the men and take over his basic life functions, due to the severity of his injuries.

Paramedics from ER24 Emergency Services, Gauteng Province and Netcare joined forces to quickly stabilize the two men on the scene before transporting them in a serious, but stable condition to the Life Flora Clinic for further medical management.

The exact cause of the accident is not known.

Curious onlookers slowed down and stopped on the scene to look at the mangled wreck in the middle of the highway. Traffic was backed up in both directions.

Katherine Drive Closed

2008-02-05T18:30:00.000+02:00

Katherine Drive was closed this evening during peak hour when an Opel GSI and a Hyundai Getz collided with each other near Westbrooke Place in Sandton.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene found two men outside of their vehicle. Near the overturned Opel a man was lying in the road with serious injuries and another near the Hyundai Getz. It is understood that the overturned Opel had three male occupants inside of it at the time of the crash and the Hyundai had two occupants.

Only two people have sustained serious injuries and three other were treated on the scene for minor injuries. Two of the occupants were transported by Netcare to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

The cause of the accident is not known and will be investigated. The driver of the overturned Corsa was too shocked on the scene to explain the cause of the accident and paramedics attended to him.

Katherine Drive was scattered with debris and the Johannesburg Fire Department closed off the whole road for safety reasons.

No other vehicles were involved.

Another Violent Taxi Shooting

2007-11-02T12:06:00.001+02:00

Paramedics from ER24 Emergency Services responded this afternoon to Germiston Drive in Meadowdale to another taxi shoot-out. This time two people have been critically wounded at a taxi rank.

Paramedics that attended to the scene, found the two men lying a couple metres from each other. It is believed both of them were commuters waiting for transport home.

Paramedics from ER24 EMS treated one of the bystanders on the scene for a serious gunshot wound to his head. He is in a critical condition and was rushed off to a nearby hospital for intensive medical treatment. Another was treated on the scene for a serious gunshot wound to his leg. He was also rushed off to hospital.

Both of the men are in a critical condition.

Fortunately no other people were injured during this violent shoot out.

The SAPS will be investigating this incident.

Man Dies Under Train

2007-11-02T12:05:00.001+02:00

A man has died this evening after he was severely deformed underneath a moving train at the Hamberg Train Station in Discovery.

According to bystanders on the scene, the patient and a family member was on the scene near the train. It is understood that they might have tried to board the train at the time of the incident. One of the men apparently landed between the platform and the train.

Paramedics from ER24 Emergency Services arrived on the scene, only to find the man almost unrecognisable underneath the train on the tracks. Due to the severity of the injuries, paramedics declared the man dead on the scene.

It is believed that the police have taken the family member to a nearby police station for questioning.

The train was stopped after the incident. The track remained closed during the forensic investigation by the police on the scene.

Car Overturned on Highway

2007-11-02T12:03:00.000+02:00

A 37 year old man is in a serious, but stable condition after he was involved in a serious accident on the N1 Highway near the Maraisburg turn off this evening.

Bystanders on the scene explained that the Land Rover with a trailer was travelling on the highway towards the Randshow Interchange when it appeared that the vehicle lost control.

The Land Rover veered off the road and collided with the driver's side against a bridge pillar in the middle of the highway.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found the Land Rover on its roof along with an overturned trailer a few metres from the scene.

The man was extricated from his overturned vehicle and stabilized on the scene for multiple injuries. He was transported to a nearby hospital for further medical management.

It is understood that the man was alone in the vehicle at the time of the accident and no other vehicles were involved in the accident.

ER24 EMS, Netcare, JMPD and Fire Department attended the scene.

17 Injured in Taxi Smash

2007-11-01T12:48:00.000+02:00

The driver of a taxi is in a critical condition after his taxi's wheel apparently burst on the highway. The taxi overturned several times before landing on its wheels in the middle of the highway.

An ambulance which was travelling in the opposite direction noticed the accident just after it occurred.

Paramedics from numerous services raced to the scene to treat the injured people. The driver sustained multiple head and chest injuries. Advanced Life Support techniques were initiated in order to save his life on the scene.

16 other occupants were flung from the vehicle. Paramedics found them scattered next to the taxi. Amongst the injured was a three year old boy. He sustained injuries to his arms and legs.

All of the occupants were treated for multiple injuries on the scene and transported by ambulances to nearby hospitals.

The Johannesburg Metro Police will be investigating the accident. No other vehicles were involved.

ER24, Netcare, Province and Hatzolah attended to the patients.

Diplomat Dies in Crash

2007-11-01T12:47:00.000+02:00

Paramedics resuscitated for over 45 minutes this morning on an unknown diplomat in Pretoria after he was involved in a major accident in the CBD.

It is believed that a blue green BMW and a white SUV Honda collided with each other on the corners of Hilda and Schoeman Streets in Hatfield during the early hours of this morning.

Paramedics from ER24 that arrived first on the scene found the two vehicles scattered across the intersection. The BMW was found on the opposite side of Hilda Street halfway through a palisade fence of a nearby building. The Honda SUV was found against the wall of a nearby building wedged against a tree.

The exact cause of the incident is not known at this stage, but it is believed that the Honda was thrown with force against a tree next to the road before it came to a standstill against the wall.

Paramedics noticed that a man, believed to be in his 40's, were trapped in his Honda SUV and had poor life signs. Paramedics could not extricate the man from the vehicle and initiated emergency treatment inside the vehicle. The Tshwane Fire Department had to use hydraulic and rescue equipment to free the diplomat from his vehicle.

Shortly after the man was rescued from the wreck, he lost his pulse. Paramedics quickly initiated CPR on the scene. Advanced Life Support Paramedics tried for over 45 minutes to regain his pulse, but due to extensive injuries he was declared dead on the scene.

Two occupants from the BMW sustained serious injuries and was rushed off per ambulance to the Pretoria Academic Hospital for further medical treatment. The middle aged couple were treated for multiple injuries on the scene.

Paramedics and Fire Fighters could not find any identification on the man. On scene it was confirmed that the man is a diplomat from an unknown country, but no next of kin details could be located.

ER24, LifeMed, SAPS, Fire and TMPD attended the scene.

The Tshwane Metro Police will be investigating this incident.

Man Dies in Taxi Violence

2007-11-01T12:45:00.000+02:00

A man has died and three others were seriously wounded this evening during an alleged taxi drive-by shooting on Hendrik Potgieter Drive.

It is believed that a group of people were waiting next to a taxi outside the mall on Hendrik Potgieter Drive when an unknown taxi opened fire. One man was hit in the head and a lady was hit in the chest. The man was declared dead on the scene and the lady was rushed off to a nearby hospital in a critical condition.

Another person was wounded in the leg, he is in a serious condition.

Police Officials Injured

2007-11-01T12:43:00.000+02:00

Two police officials were injured yesterday morning when their official police vehicle overturned in Rabie Drive near President Fouche Street. The vehicle overturned and collided with a tree next to the road before it came to a standstill on its driver's side.

Paramedics from ER24 stabilized the two police officials on the scene for chest and possible spinal injuries. It is believed that the two officers were reacting on a call for a serious incident in Boskruin when the accident occurred. No other vehicles were involved.

Both of the police officials were transported by ER24 to the Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital for further medical management.

The exact cause of the incident is not yet known and will be investigated by the South African Police.

At approximately 20h30 yesterday evening, paramedics were called to another accident where police officials were injured. When paramedics arrived on the scene at Apollo and Northumberland in Honeydew, they found that an official police vehicle and a light duty bakkie collided with each other.

Two police officials were treated on the scene for possible head and spinal injuries and rushed off to the Life Flora Clinic for further treatment. Another two occupants in the light duty bakkie were treated on the scene for head injuries and were also transported in a stable condition to the Life Flora Clinic.

It is understood that the officials were responding to an emergency at the time of the accident.

The South African police will investigate this accident.

Six Year Old Knocked Down

2007-11-01T12:42:00.000+02:00

A six year old boy is in a serious, but stable condition after he was apparently knocked over by a bakkie in Industria, West of Johannesburg this morning.

Paramedics were called to the scene where they found the little boy lying in the road. According to bystanders and the driver of the bakkie, the child ran across the busy road with no warning.

The boy was treated on the scene for a possible fractured arm and head injury. Paramedics stabilized him on the scene and transported him to the Chris-Hani Baragwanath Hospital for further medical treatment.

Bystanders on the scene explained that is not the first time that children get knocked over in the area due to the fact that they just run across the road without observing the traffic flow.

The middle-aged driver of the bakkie who allegedly collided with the child was not injured during the accident.

It is understood that the boy, who was still in school uniform, was on his was to a nearby school. His parents could not be reached on the scene. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department will try to locate the parents or a next of kin.

ER24 Emergency Services caution the public and pedestrians when crossing any road. An accident happens in a split second. Children should be accompanied by adults where possible and pedestrians must try to cross at a dedicated pedestrian crossing whenever possible.

Highway Closed After Accident

2007-11-01T12:39:00.000+02:00

The N12 Highway was chaotic this morning after a truck and two other vehicles collided with each other just before the Comaro turn off.

According to an eyewitness on the scene, it appears that a Isuzu bakkie might have lost control on the N12 whilst travelling in an opposite direction and smashed trough the median barrier into oncoming traffic.

A truck and a light duty bakkie with a trailer was in the destruction path of the out of control vehicle. It is understood that the two bakkies collided semi head on with each other and then smashed into a truck that tried to avoid the collision.

The light duty bakkie and its two occupants lost control after the smash and landed on top of an embankment next to the highway. The truck's rear wheels were severely damaged and the truck came to a standstill across all three lanes of the highway, causing a severe obstruction.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene, treated the male driver of the Isuzu bakkie for minor injuries. He was transported in a stable condition to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for further medical management. All of the other parties involved were assessed on the scene, but fortunately did not sustain any injuries.

The traffic was severely backed up in an eastern direction passed the Diepkloof Interchange.

Truck Wipes Out Six Cars

2007-10-18T11:29:00.000+02:00

A 20 ton truck set on a a destruction path this evening when it collided with at least six vehicles, including a Yeoville Police bakkie in Houghton.

Paramedics from ER24 and Johannesburg Emergency Services treated almost 18 people on the scene when the truck mauled a Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corrola and a Taxi carrying about ten occupants.

Fortunately only four people were injured and were transported to nearby hospitals.

It is believed that the truck might have lost control and collided with the vehicles that were stationary at a robot on Louis Botha drive.

Louis Botha was closed off for traffic for over two hours and the SAPS will investigate this incident.

Matriculant Survives Crash

2007-10-18T11:26:00.000+02:00

An eighteen year old matriculant miraculously escaped death this afternoon when his VW Citi Golf collided with the front of a 20 ton tipper truck in Rooseveldt Park.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene, found his vehicle ripped to pieces along with its wheels lying in the road. It was thought that no one could have survived this crash, until they found the student sitting against a nearby tree.

On examination it was found that he only sustained a few bruises and a possible spinal injury. If he had any passengers in his vehicle, they would have probably not survived or would have been seriously injured.

According to the driver of the truck, the Golf appeared to have lost control and swerved in front of the truck. No one in the truck was injured.

ER24 transported the eighteen year old to the Life Flora Clinic in a stable condition.

The student was on his way home after writing a mathematics exam for his senior certificate.

Tree House or Tree Car

2007-10-18T11:23:00.000+02:00

Paramedics from ER24 attended to a bizarre accident this afternoon on the Christiaan De Wet Drive in Helderkuin. Emergency personnel were amazed by to find a black Tata Indica hanging from its right rear wheel, nose down, from a tree next to the road.

It is understood that the 43 year old female driver might have lost control over her vehicle whilst travelling on Christiaan De Wet towards Hendrik Potgieter Drive and overturned several times. It appears that the vehicle spun up and landed in the tree. The tree stopped the vehicle from falling down an embankment into a river that runs next to the road.

Paramedics from ER24 were the first emergency service on the scene and found the lady hanging face down in her car. Paramedics struggled to gain access to her and had to cut open the windscreen and brake open the door and side panels with rescue tools. An emergency extrication was performed and the lady was removed from the wreckage. Upon removal, it was noticed that she sustained multiple injuries to her face and visible chest injuries.

She was stabilized on the scene by ER24 and rapidly transported to the Life Flora Clinic in a serious, but stable condition.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident. The next of kin has not yet been located.

The Johannesburg Metro Police closed off Christiaan De Wet drive in both directions for approximately two hours during their investigation and the recovery of the vehicle.

Thugs Drive Car Down Embankment

2007-10-18T11:22:00.000+02:00

Two suspects were stopped in their tracks last night when they crashed a stolen vehicle down an embankment near the Diepkloof Interchange.

According to the owner of the vehicle, who attended the scene, he noticed his stolen vehicle driving passed him on the highway shortly after he reported it stolen at the police station from Orange Farm. The owner contacted the Metro Police and gave chase behind his vehicle. The Metro Police arrived shortly after. The owner explained that as the suspects allegedly tried to outrun the Metro Police, they lost control in the bend of the highway split and the car crashed through the armco barriers down an embankment.

The Johannesburg Fire Department arrived on the scene and noticed that the two suspects were injured. ER24 paramedics arrived moments after and treated the two suspects. One of the suspects were still trapped in the vehicle and the other was lying next to the driver's side. Both of the suspects sustained multiple injuries, but were in a stable condition.

Both of the suspects were arrested on the scene by Metro Police and taken into custody. An ER24 ambulance transported both of the suspects under police guard to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment.

19 Injured in Head-on Smash

2007-10-08T06:38:00.001+02:00

19 People have been involved in a serious head on collision between two bakkies on the notorious Malotto Road in Pretoria. It is believed that the two bakkies collided head on outside the SAPS Dog School at approximately 18h50.

Paramedics from ER24 arrived on the scene quickly, only to find that two of the people have died and four were in a critical condition. The Fire Department had to use the jaws of life to rescue some of the trapped victims. Most of the patients were flung from the two vehicles. It is believed that most of the occupants were on the back of the two bakkies.

Whilst paramedics were attending to the initial accident, a luxury vehicle apparently lost control about 100 metres from the crash site and overturned several times in the direction of the paramedics. Paramedics rushed themselves towards the overturned vehicle.

This time two adults and a baby were involved in this accident. The baby was in a critical condition, but deteriorated very quickly. Paramedics from ER24 initiated emergency resuscitation, but unfortunately the baby died on the scene. The two adults, believed to be the parents are both in a critical condition.

The exact cause for the initial and secondary accident is not known and will be investigated by the local law enforcement. The road has been closed off for traffic in both directions and no commuters are allowed to pass through the scene.

A total of 22 people were involved in this accident. Three people have died, of which one was a baby. Six people are in a critical condition. All of the patients were transported by ambulance to the Mamelodi and Pretoria Academic Hospitals.

Elderly Woman Serious After Crash

2007-10-08T06:36:00.000+02:00

An elderly woman is in a serious, but stable condition after she was allegedly knocked down by a car on Jim Fouche Drive this afternoon.

Paramedics were called to the scene to assist. When they arrived on the scene, they found an elderly woman lying on the side of the road with multiple injuries. Paramedics acted quickly and stabilized her on the scene.

The injured woman was transported by ER24 to a nearby hospital for further treatment of her injuries. The driver of the vehicle did not sustain any injuries.

One lane of Jim Fouche was blocked of for the duration of the on-scene treatment and traffic was slow.

'Hijacker' Shot By Police

2007-10-08T06:35:00.002+02:00

An alleged hijacker was shot this afternoon by law enforcement officials on the N12 Highway near Comaro Street in Oakdene.

It is believed that two suspects hijacked a 22-wheeler truck this morning. It is also understood that the police and a tracking company picked up a tracking signal from the alleged stolen truck and followed it to the highway.

The police successfully managed to stop the truck partially off the highway. It is understood that the driver of the truck tried to run away for the police.

Paramedics were called to the scene to treat the alleged hijacker with a gunshot wound to his leg. He was in a stable condition and transported under police custody to a nearby hospital. It is not known if any other arrests were made.

Road workers narrowly escaped from the truck stopping on the side of the road. According to the road workers on the scene, they were busy digging a small trench for cables next to the highway when the truck suddenly swerved in their direction. They downed tools quickly and ran for safety. Fortunately no one was injured as the trucked came to a standstill on top of the trench.

The police will be investigating this incident and they have attended the scene.

Critical After Weltevreden Smash

2007-10-08T06:35:00.001+02:00

A lady is in a critical condition after she was involved in a serious accident in Weltevredenpark this morning.

It is understood that two Mercedes' collided with each other on the corners of J.G. Strydom and Cornelius. Paramedics that arrived on the scene found the woman still trapped in the passenger seat of her vehicle. The Fire Department had to use hydraulic and rescue equipment to free her from the wreck. Due to the massive and multiple injuries she has sustained, she was placed on life support units on the scene. Paramedics stabilized her on the scene and transported her to a nearby hospital.

The driver of the vehicle, believed to be her husband, was also treated on the scene for facial injuries. He was treated on the scene and transported by ER24 to the Life Flora Clinic. He is in a stable condition. The driver of the other Mercedes involved the crash, sustained minor injuries and was treated on the scene.

Pedestrian Killed on Highway

2007-09-17T06:40:00.000+02:00

Yet another pedestrian was killed last night on the notorious N1 highway between Randshow Road and Maraisburg Drive.

Paramedics from ER24 were called out to a serious incident on the highway at approximately 20h00. When they arrived on the scene, they found a man mangled in the slow lane of the highway. The man had multiple injuries and paramedics had to declare him dead on the scene.

According to a bystander on the scene, two vehicles were towing each other on the highway when one of the vehicles allegedly crashed into the pedestrian. It also appears that the pedestrian was dragged for some distance underneath one of the vehicles.

A white Opel Kadett was found several metres up the highway against a barrier. On further investigation, it was noticed that the vehicle was smashed against the side barrier of the highway and had extensive damage to its bonnet and windscreen. It is believed that this was the vehicle that collided with the pedestrian.

However, the owner of the vehicle was no where to be found on the scene and bystanders informed paramedics and Metro Police that they fled the scene shortly after the accident.

Pedestrian accidents on this stretch of road is quite common. There are no street lights and emergency services caution pedestrians not to cross a highway as passing motorists cannot see pedestrians at night. We have attended to numerous fatal pedestrian accidents in this vicinity.

The Johannesburg Metro Police will be investigating the accident. When paramedics departed the scene, the driver and/or its occupants were still no where to be found.

Slip 'n Slide in Linksfield

2007-09-17T06:38:00.001+02:00

A 27 year old man fortunately escaped with only minor injuries after his BMW he was travelling in overturned in Linksfield yesterday.

A water patch on Club Street caused havoc for motorists when their vehicles aqua planed. An unfortunate black BMW aqua planed yesterday when the driver allegedly came around the bend on Club Street.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, bystanders were flagging motorists down at the water patch before they ended up in the same way as the BMW. Paramedics found a BMW across the driveway of a house with severe damage to it. A 27 year old driver was treated on the scene for minor injuries and transported to the Linksfield Hospital.

It is believed that the vehicle spun out and flipped into a streetlamp before it landed back onto its wheels in the driveway. The reason for the free flowing water across the road was not clear at the time.

Whilst paramedics were on the scene of the accident, numerous other vehicles skidded through the water, but fortunately had no accident.

Ladies Critical after Crash

2007-09-09T12:15:00.000+02:00

Two young ladies are in a critical condition in the Vereeniging Medi Clinic after they were involved in a serious accident on the notorious Frikkie Meyer Street in Vereeniging.

According to bystanders on the scene, the white Uno they were traveling in, overturned several times in the bends of Frikkie Meyer Street. Both of the ladies were thrown out of their vehicle during the crash.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found them lying some meters away from the wrecked Uno. Both of the ladies sustained possible major head injuries and multiple injuries to their bodies. They were stabilized on the scene by the paramedics and rushed off to the Vereeniging Medi Clinic where they will receive further medical treatment,

The exact cause for the accident is not known. The local traffic and fire department also attended the scene. No other vehicles were involved in this accident.

Bizarre Death on Sidewalk

2007-09-09T12:13:00.000+02:00

A man believed to be in his 50's died a bizarre death this evening in Newlands.

According to about four other pedestrians, they were all walking on the sidewalk towards Roodepoort when a man walking in front of them fell to the ground. One of the pedestrians explained that he was just walking and then he collapsed.

Some of the pedestrians explained on the scene that they did not know what was going on as he appeared to be unconscious. Bystanders and fellow pedestrians could not confirm if the ambulance was called immediately after the incident ocurred.

An ER24 ambulance was on its way back to a base station in Florida when the bystanders flagged them down. The paramedics acted quickly, but soon realized that the man had no signs of life and was already presenting with slight rigor mortis. It is believed that the man was lying next to the road for more than an hour.

He was declared dead on the scene. The police will be investigating the scene.

The man had no identification on him and had only keys in his pocket.

Jaws-of-Life used to Rescue Four

2007-09-03T19:11:00.001+02:00

A woman had to be rescued out of the wreck of her car this evening by the jaws-of-life after the car overturned several times.

When paramedics arrived on the scene they found a red Polo Classic obstructing the fast and the middle lane of the highway. Three occupants of the car were injured. The male driver of the car sustained minor injuries. An elderly lady, who was sitting in the back at the time, sustained possible fractures of her legs and is in a serious condition. Another female passenger had to be cut out from the car by the Johannesburg Fire Department.

Paramedics from ER24 and Netcare transported the patients to nearby hospitals for further treatment.

According to a bystander on the scene, the Polo tried to overtake a Ford Ranger and collided with it. No one in the Ford Ranger was injured.

The highway's fast and middle lane was closed off for traffic during the rescue.

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department attended the scene.

Fortunate Escape for Driver

2007-09-03T19:09:00.000+02:00

A 31 year old man escaped with only minor injuries last night when his vehicle overturned into a ditch in Industria North.

According to the driver of the Toyota Corolla he allegedly misjudged the bend and lost control over his vehicle. The vehicle crashed through a barbwire fence situated next to the railway line.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found the overturned vehicle in the ditch and the man lying on the opposite side of the embankment. Fortunately he sustained only minor injuries and was immobilised on the scene. He was treated for a possible spinal injury.

According to the driver, who was alone in the vehicle at the time, he always travels that road and do not understand what exactly happened. He is in a stable condition in the Flora Clinic.

It took towing some time to remove the vehicle from the ditch.

Gunshot Victim Crash on the Way to Hospital

2007-09-03T19:08:00.000+02:00

Five people have been injured last night when the car they were using to rush to hospital overturned in Lombardy East, east of Johannesburg.

It is believed that a man was shot at his home in Lombardy during an armed robbery. Friends of the victim loaded the man into the car and tried to rush him to the Edenvale Hospital.

It is believed that the driver of the red Mazda 323 lost control around a bend in Canning road and the vehicle overturned several times before it came to a standstill on its roof next to the road.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found it strange to have a gunshot victim in the overturned car. The driver including three of his occupants climbed out of the car before paramedics arrived. They have sustained only minor injuries. The gunshot victim, however, sustained further injuries and is in a serious, but stable condition in the Edenvale Hospital.

Three of the occupants were transported by ER24 to the Edenvale Hospital.

No other vehicles were involved in this accident.

Abandoned Baby Rescued by Security Guard

2007-09-03T19:04:00.000+02:00

An abandoned baby's life was most probably saved this evening by a security guard in Hillbrow.

Paramedics from ER24 were refueling at a local petrol station opposite the Peter Rose Park in Hillbrow when they were approached by a man. The man ran towards the ambulance and said he needs help. He apparently found a baby wrapped in a plastic bag in the park.

ER24 rushed to the park where the baby was. Police officials along with the security guard have rushed the baby off to the Hillbrow Police Station where they waited for paramedics.

Paramedics from ER24 found a little baby girl, believed to be less than a week old, neatly dressed in a pink baby-grow and wrapped in a blanket. The little girl was assessed by paramedics. Fortunately no evidence of any injuries was found and the baby was taken to the Johannesburg General Hospital for a thorough examination.

It is understood that the security guard was busy locking the gates of the park when a man and a lady approached him - in what he described as a big vehicle - and asked him he must wait before he locks up. The security guard was immediately suspicious and watched the couple. According to the guard he saw the man placing something down on the ground moments before they quickly departed the scene.

On further investigation he found the little girl wrapped in the plastic bag. He - the security guard - noticed the ER24 ambulance and immediately called for help.

The police will be investigating this incident and according to the the attending police they have informed Child Line of the incident.

Four Injured On Highway

2007-09-03T19:01:00.000+02:00

Numerous people had to swerve suddenly this afternoon when a vehicle carrying four occupants lost control on the N1 Highway at Beyers Naude. It is believed that a white Toyota was traveling in a northern direction on the N1 when the driver allegedly lost control and crashed through the middle barrier of the highway into oncoming traffic.Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction had to swerve when the vehicle made a sudden and dusty appearance through the middle island and landed across the highway, obstructing the middle and fast lane. When paramedics arrived on the scene, they treated four occupants for moderate injuries. They were all stabilized on the scene and then transported to the Olivedale Hospital.Metro Police attended the scene and assisted traffic passed the scene. No one else was involved or injured in this accident.

16 Injured in Taxi Smash

2007-09-03T19:00:00.000+02:00

Sixteen people have been injured this evening when a taxi overturned on the R28 highway in the direction of Krugersdorp outside of Diepsloot.

According to the 26 year old taxi driver, the left rear tyre of the taxi burst and he lost control over the vehicle. The taxi overturned several times before it came to a stand still next to the highway against a fence.

When paramedics arrived on the scene they found 16 occupants, including the driver, lying next to the taxi. Two of the 16 occupants were in a serious condition at the time. All of the occupants were transported to the Leratong Hospital for further management.

It is understood that the taxi picked up his occupants in Centurion and was on his way to Kyasands.

No other vehicles were involved. Paramedics from ER24, Johannesburg EMS and Netcare joined forces to quickly treat and evacuate the patients to the hospital.

Five Cars Collide on N1

2007-08-23T16:55:00.001+02:00

Seven people escaped from serious injuries this afternoon when five cars collided on the N1 north between William Nicol and Rivonia Drives.

It is believed that a white VW bakkie was towing a Mitsubishi delivery vehicle when a car allegedly swerved in front of them. According to bystanders on the scene, the two vehicles lost control and then collided with several other vehicles on the highway before coming to stand still on top of each other. The Mitsubishi and the VW bakkie landed on top of each other causing the two occupants of the Mitsubishi to be injured.

A 26 and 27 year old male sustained moderate injuries and were transported by ER24 to the Sunninghill Hospital for further management.

Fortunately the occupants of a Mercedes, Mazda, Renault and the VW bakkie was not injured, but assessed on the scene.

The Johannesburg Fire Department and Metro Police arrived first on the scene, only to find the chaos on the highway. The fast lane of the N1 highway in the direction of Rivonia was closed, but onlookers on the opposite side of the highway caused a backup of traffic passed the Buccleuch Interchange. The fast lane was reopened shortly after the patients were removed from the scene.

One Killed, One Airlifted After Truck Accident

2007-08-23T16:52:00.000+02:00

At approximately 11h20 this morning ER24 received an emergency call for a serious accident on the N1 highway approximately four kilometers before the Grassmere Tollplaza.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found that a truck carrying steel overturned on the highway in the direction of Johannesburg. It is believed that the truck was on its way to Johannebsurg from Meyerton.

A 24 year old man was crushed under the the rear wheels of the truck and there was nothing that paramedics could do for him. He was declared dead on the scene. Six other occupants of the truck were found lying scattered next to the partially overturned truck.

Three of the occupants were in a serious condition and one had to to be airlifted with the air ambulance to the Chris-Hani Baragwanath Hospital for further medical treatment. Another three occupants sustained only minor injuries and was transported along with the remaining patients to a nearby hospital.

The exact cause for the accident is not yet known, but it is believed that the truck apparently lost control and veered off the road into a small ditch before it proceeded to travel a couple of metres through an open veld next to the highway. The truck was found under a tree next to the highway.

Authorities closed off the highway in the direction of Johannesburg during the helicopter operation. The fire fighters on scene had to use heavy duty rescue equipment to stabilize and lift the truck before the body of the deceased could be removed.

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department will be investigating the accident.

Biker Killed in Parktown Crash

2007-08-23T16:49:00.000+02:00

A 26 year old man was killed this morning when his bike crashed into the passenger side of a Citi Golf in 7th Avenue, Parktown North.

It is believed that the Golf and the motorbike was travelling towards Rosebank when the accident occurred. According to bystanders on the scene, the Golf slowed down to turn into a driveway on 7th Avenue when the bike crashed into it.

The impact was so great that it caused the Golf to overturn and the bike was ripped into pieces.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found the man lying on the opposite side of the Golf. The biker sustained major injuries and there was nothing that paramedics could do to save his life. Netcare paramedics declared him dead on the scene. The driver of the Golf sustained minor injuries and was treated on the scene. The patient was later transported to the Rosebank Clinic for further treatment.

The road was blocked off in the direction of Rosebank and the Johannesburg Metro Police will be investigating this incident. It is believed that a family member of the deceased arrived on the scene. No personal information was obtained.

ER24, Johannesburg Fire, JMPD and Netcare attended the scene.

Multiple Truck Accident Claims One Life

2007-08-23T16:48:00.000+02:00

A man was killed and four others seriously injured when their car and three trucks collided on the R59 just outside of Sasolburg this morning.

According paramedics on the scene, the vehicle was so badly mangled that the driver was killed instantly and four others had to be rescued. They are all in a serious condition. The three trucks, believed to be from the Department of Labour, was also travelling on the same road in the direction of Parys when the crash occurred. The impact was so severe, that it caused chaos on the small road resulting in all the vehicles to collide with each other.

Paramedics and rescue workers had to close off the R59 in the direction Parys during the rescue. It is not known where the occupants of the car were headed to before the accident.

Two of the seriously injured occupants were transported to the Vereeniging MediClinic and the remaining two were transported to the Vaal Park Hospital for further medical treatment.

No one in the trucks were injured.

The exact cause for the accident is not known, but it is believed that heavy roadworks are present at the location of the accident. The local authorities will be investigating this accident.

Two Killed in Taxi Violence, Child Shot

2007-08-23T16:45:00.000+02:00

Two people have been killed in yet another suspected taxi violence incident this evening.

According to bystanders on the scene, a passing taxi opened fire on taxis parked next to the Hendrik Potgieter driveway outside Makro at about 18h40. It is understood that there was a return in gunfire from the parked taxis.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found two males lying next to one of the taxis. Both of them sustained gunshot wounds and was declared dead on the scene. A few metres away from the scene stood a silver Nissan Sentra with two patients inside of it. It was later known that the Nissan was parked next to Hendrik Potgieter waiting for friends to escort them to a supper meeting.

According to the friend who arrived on the scene, he spoke to the driver of the Nissan approximately two minutes before the incident to inform them that they were on their way. Shortly after he received another phone call from his friend informing him that they were shot.

A young boy, believed to be about six years old along with his father was shot inside of the Nissan. Both of them sustained gunshot wounds and had to rushed off to a nearby hospital by Netcare.

The paramedics from ER24 and Provincial Services declared the two men dead near the taxi. It is also believed that the SAPS recovered a firearm on the scene. The scene was spread out approximately 100 metres with cartridges lying between the vehicles.

The exact reason for the shoot-out is not known. A total of four people were treated on the scene and two were killed. It is not known how many occupants were in the taxis and if they fled the scene during the gunfire.

The Johannesburg Police Services will be investigating the scene. ER24, Netcare and Provincial EMS attended the scene.

Plane nose-dives into Jhb house

2007-08-09T12:37:00.000+02:00

Johannesburg - A light aircraft nose-dived into a Johannesburg house on Wednesday night, seriously injuring its pilot and co-pilot, said rescue workers.
The Piper Seneca took the roof off the patio of the house in Greenacres Street, Birdhaven, near the Wanderers cricket stadium, at 17:50, said Johannesburg fire and emergency management services spokesperson Malcolm Midgley.
It landed up on its nose, wedged between a tree and the house. "The tail was almost touching the nose," he said.
Rescue workers had to stabilise the aircraft before they started "hammering and bashing" to try to save the co-pilot, who was trapped in the wreckage.
They also had to blanket the area with foam to prevent it catching fire.
The Piper Seneca is fuelled by Avgas, which is as volatile as paint thinners, said Midgley.
Fuel very volatile
The two men in the aircraft were lucky there had been no fire when they crashed, he said.
"If there was fire, they wouldn't have survived because of that fuel being so volatile."
Police said the aircraft had been en route from Lanseria airport to Grand Central Airport at the time of the crash.
Midgley said Civil Aviation Authority officials at the scene indicated that the aircraft was being flown back after undergoing "some form of repairs or maintenance".
He could not comment on reports that the pilot was thrown from the aircraft during the crash, but said he had been "easily accessible".
Mainly facial injuries
It is understood he was taken to the Milpark Hospital in a serious condition.
It took rescue workers an hour to extricate the trapped co-pilot. However, he was "quite lucky", said Midgley.
"...he has mainly facial injuries... we can't find anything else major," he said.
He had also apparently been taken to the Milpark Hospital.
No one in the house was injured.
Johannesburg police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Eugene Opperman said the CAA was investigating the crash.

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2161431,00.html

Paramedics Killed in Highway Crash

2007-08-09T12:16:00.000+02:00

Two paramedics, a patient and a driver of a truck were all killed this morning in a horror accident on the N1 about 35 kilometres outside of Polokwane.

It is believed that a Provincial Ambulance and a bakery truck collided partially head on on the highway at around 5 o'clock this morning. Paramedics that arrived on the scene described it as chaotic, sad and horrific.

An advanced life support paramedic and his female assistant was travelling with the patient in the back of the ambulance at the time. One of the medics and the patient died on impact. According to the paramedics on scene, the patient and the medics sustained major injuries and was declared dead on the scene.

It is not known what the patient were being treated for at the time of transportation or crash. The driver of the ambulance was also killed. The female assistant, who was also with the patient at the time, sustained moderate injuries and was rushed off by ER24 to the Polokwane Provincial Hospital.

The driver of the truck that was involved in the crash also died on impact. He also sustained major injuries to his body.

The N1 was closed for almost three hours after the crash.

Five Injured in Highway Crash

2007-08-06T06:51:00.000+02:00

Five people were injured this morning when three cars collided with each other on top of the Rivonia bridge.

It is believed that a green Citi Golf broke down and pulled into the emergency lane. Three of the men who was in the vehicle at the time, moved to the front of the vehicle to see if they can fix it.

According to the friends, they called another friend who arrived shortly after. Whilst the two vehicles were parked off in the emergency a lane, a blue Audi A3 allegedly lost control and drove into the back of the broken down Golf.

The vehicle smashed into the Golf and pushed it into the three people standing in front of the golf. All of them sustained multiple injuries and was stabilized by paramedics.

The driver of the Audi was transported to the Sandton Medi Clinic for further medical treatment. The patients were transported to the Sunninghill hospital.

Two Die in Meyerton Explosion

2007-08-06T06:50:00.000+02:00

A family of five was involved in a serious explosion at their home in Meyerton last night.

It is believed that the gas cylinder of a heater, standing in the family room, exploded. Three kids aged 13, ten and seven, managed to run to the side of the house where they escaped through burglar bars.

The 13 year old boy broke the window with his fist. His brother and sister managed to follow him through the broken window to the outside. The mother and father could not escape and was burnt to death.

A neighbour helped the kids over the wall to escape to the front of the house. The neighbour sustained injuries to his abdomen and ankle whilst assisting the kids.

The kids and neighbour were treated on the scene, but family members took care of the kids and transported them to a nearby family house.

The Midvaal Municipality managed to extinguish the fire later that night.

The scene will be investigated.

Horse Killed on Highway

2007-08-06T06:48:00.000+02:00

A horse was killed yesterday morning on the N1 highway when it ran across the road.

According to the driver of a Nissan Almera, which collided with the horse, he tried to swerve, but was unable to do so in time. He mentioned that there were to horses at the time. The other horse ran away after the collision.

Paramedics were attending to another scene on the Rivonia Bridge at the time. ER24 and JMPD and the Fire Department made their way down the highway to assist. On arrival they found a horse lying in the middle of the slow lane with massive injuries to its head and neck.

The driver of the Nissan fortunately sustained no injuries. According to the driver of the Nissan, he was on his way to Venda for a short holiday when the accident occurred.

ER24 and JMPD tried to contact the SPCA, but they could not be reached. The owner of the horse was traced down early this morning. They will assist in removing the horse

Three Injured in Late Night Crash

2007-08-06T06:44:00.000+02:00

Three people were injured on Friday night in a serious collision on the corners of Rinyani and Landhuis Streets in Allen's Nek.

A white Citi Golf carrying two young male occupants were involved in a crash with a white VW Golf II when one of the vehicle's allegedly skipped the stop street.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found both of the vehicles partially through a fence of a house situated on the corners. Paramedics quickly noticed that two of the occupants were trapped in their vehicles and the Fire Department had to be called in.

The driver of the VW Golf II - who recently moved up from Cape Town to Johannesburg - sustained serious chest injuries and was trapped in his vehicle. The Fire Department from Station 20 had to use the jaws-of-life to rescue the trapped man. A second rescue had to be conducted with the jaws-of-life on the other Golf to rescue the trapped passenger. The driver of the Citi Golf were found outside of his vehicle. Both of the occupants of the Citi Golf sustained multiple injuries.

The driver of the Golf II was transported by ER24 to Helen Jospeh Hospital in a stable condition. The remainder of the patients were transported to Life Flora and Olivedale Clinic by ER24 and Netcare.

The exact cause for the accident is not known and the JMPD's Accident Investigation Unit attended the scene.

Six Critical in Highway Smash

2007-07-29T18:40:00.000+02:00

Six people are in a critical condition and one died at the hospital this morning when two vehicles collided on the M1 highway north just before the Houghton drive exit.

An ER24 response car was on its way to another incident when the paramedics came across this horror accident. It appears that a white bakkie and a black Mini Cooper collided with each other whilst travelling north on the highway.

For an unknown reason the two vehicles collided with each other. The bakkie, carrying four occupants at the time, overturned several times ejecting two of its occupants before landing on its roof in the middle of the highway.

The Mini collided with the armco-barrier in the middle of the highway before colliding with a lamppost and landed into oncoming traffic in the middle of the highway. Three of the occupants of the Mini were entrapped after the accident.

A lady from the overturned bakkie was thrown out of the vehicle and smashed into the armco-barrier. The barrier and its poles ripped her from the waist down. She sustained a traumatic amputation of the full leg and partial waist. Paramedics tried everything for her on scene and she battled for her life. ER24 rushed her to the Johannesburg General Hospital. Sadly she died shortly after arrival at the hospital.

Two occupants were trapped underneath the bakkie and only their legs were visible. Fire Fighters had to use heavy duty rescue equipment and hydraulic support to lift the bakkie and cut it open. The two critically injured occupants were rescued about 45 minutes later and also rushed off to a nearby hospital. The fourth occupant that was flung from the bakkie was found a couple of metres from the vehicle. She sustained serious injuries.

Three people was entrapped in the Mini Cooper. All of them sustained multiple fractures. The Fire Department had to use the jaws-of-life to rescue them from their vehicle. They were all stabilized and treated on the scene, but were in a serious condition on departure to hospital.

The exact cause for this incident is not known and the Johannesburg's Metro Police Department will be investigating.

ER24, JMPD, JHB Fire, NetCare and SAPS joined forces to rescue the victims of the crash.

The highway was initially closed in both directions, but only the fast lanes in both directions were opened later. The highway remained backed up whilst Metro Police are investigating.

Car Loses Control After Collision With Pedestrian

2007-07-29T18:38:00.000+02:00

Two people have died in yet another pedestrian accident.

A Mercedes was travelling on the N12 just passed the Xavier on ramp last night when the driver noticed two pedestrians running across the highway. According to the female driver, she tried to swerve, but collided with both of the pedestrians.

After colliding with the pedestrians, she allegedly lost control over the vehicle and smashed into an overhead signboard in the middle of the highway. A female passenger in the Mercedes at the time died instantly due to multiple injuries.

Paramedics could only find one pedestrian lying next to the highway with multiple injuries. He was also declared dead on the scene.

The female driver of the Mercedes was in a serious condition and had to be rescued from her smashed vehicle. Paramedics transported her to the Mulbarton Hospital for specialized care.

Paramedics, Fire fighters and Police Officers searched for the second pedestrian, but could not find anything. The driver of the vehicle is convinced she collided with two pedestrians. The Metro Police will investigate the accident.

When paramedics departed from the scene, a second pedestrian was not yet found.

Truck Smashes Into Peak-Hour Traffic

2007-07-29T18:36:00.000+02:00

Paramedics and Fire Fighters attended to yet another serious truck collision, this time on a Pretoria highway.

At approximately 18h20 a truck carrying bricks lost control after its brakes allegedly failed. The inter-link truck ploughed through peak hour traffic on the N1 just before the Atterbury Road, taking two cars with it on its disaster path.

The truck's trailer disconnected from the horse and spun around in the opposite direction. The driver of the truck was not injured and questioned by the police on the scene.

A family travelling in a white Huyndai barely escaped with their lives when the truck crashed into the from behind. The driver and his mom along with his four year old boy fortunately sustained only minor injuries. The little boy and his grandmother was transported to the Unitas Hospital for further medical examinations.

Another driver from a dark colored vehicle, which was also smashed from behind, sustained no injuries, but was assessed by paramedics on the scene. This vehicle was approximately 100 metres away from the Hyundai.

The highway was chaotic and completely blocked off. Fire Fighters from the Tshwane Fire Department made an alternative route next to the highway for blocked commuters. They had to cut of pieces of a large tree in order for vehicles to move freely underneath it.

It was only about an hour later that it was possible to move the truck partially out of the highway in order to open the slow lane. Traffic was backed up passed the N14 Brakfontein Interchange.

It is a miracle that no one was killed or seriously injured. It is believed that the truck was on its way from Boksburg.

Within 12 hours, ER24 attended to four serious truck accidents. The first collision on the N1 at the Gordon off ramp, the second at the N3 Van Buuren Interchange, the third at High and Great North Roads in Benoni and the above mentioned incident on the N1 Atterbury.

It is believed that almost 13 children and 12 adults were injured in today's truck accidents.

Disabled Hurt in Truck Smash

2007-07-29T18:35:00.000+02:00

At least 12 disabled children were injured when their minibus they were travelling in allegedly collided with the side of a fuel tanker in benoni this morning.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found children scattered from the overturned minibus. It is believed that one of the kids were entrapped underneath the minibus after it overturned and bystanders lifted the vehicle to pull the child to safety.

The exact cause of the accident is not yet known. It is understood that the vehicle lost control after colliding with the fuel tanker and overturned several times.

Four children were seriously injured and is in a critical condition. Most of the children were rushed off to the LIfe Glynnwood Hospital where they will be treated for their injuries. The remaining number of children were taken to nearby hospitals.

The principle of the school attended the scene and were busy alerting the family members of the accident.

No one was injured in the 18-wheeler fuel tanker and the intersection was closed off for traffic during the rescue.

Car Vs. Truck

2007-07-29T18:33:00.000+02:00

At least one person is in a critical condition after a red Mazda 323 collided with the back of a low-bed truck.

According to a bystander on the scene, both vehicles were travelling south on the N1 before the Gordon Road off ramp when the accident occurred.

Paramedics were alerted about the serious accident just after six this morning.

When medics arrived on the scene, they found the driver of the Mazda slammed forward behind the steering wheel of the car. The driver was barely breathing and rescue personnel had to use rapid extrication to remove the driver from the vehicle in order to save his life.

Advanced Life Support manoeuvres had to be implemented. The driver was rushed off to the Life Flora Clinic where specialized treatment will be administered.

The Johannesburg's Metro Police Department will be investigating this accident. No one in the truck was injured.

It is believed that the driver of the Mazda was on his way to work in Alberton when the crash occurred.

The man died later in hospital.

18 Injured in Taxi Smash

2007-07-29T18:31:00.000+02:00

18 people including a 4 year old girl sustained multiple injuries after a taxi and a Opel Corsa collided on the corners of Jan Smuts and Hillcrest Streets.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found a taxi that pushed an Opel across the intersection into the controlling box of the traffic lights. Patients were lying scattered on the pavement and numerous bystanders assisted with first aid.

Paramedics from ER24, Netcare and Provincial Services joined forces, to quickly stabilize and rapidly transport the patients to various hospitals.

ER24 cared for a mother and a 4 year old girl that was in the taxi at the time of the crash. The girl sustained a possible fracture to her leg.

The female driver of the Corsa was also transported to the Sandton MediClinic for further treatment. She sustained possible injuries to her arm and back.

The patients were transported to the Sandton MediClinic and Helen Joseph Hospitals. JMPD attended the scene.

The driver of the taxi was not injured in the crash. The exact cause of the incident is not known.

Pedestrian Airlifted After Crash

2007-07-29T18:29:00.000+02:00

A Mozambican foreign national is in a critical condition after he was involved in a serious pedestrian accident outside the Zandsruit informal settlement.

When paramedics arrived on the scene they found the man lying in the middle of the road with serious injuries. He collided with the front windscreen of a Mercedes and sustained a possible head injury and multiple fractures.

The patient was immobilized on the scene and stabilized. Due to the severity of his injuries, advanced life support manoeuvres had to be implemented to save his life. The air ambulance helicopter was called in to assist.

Shortly after the helicopter landed, the patient was airlifted to the Johannesburg Hospital where he will receive specialized treatment for his injuries.

Marina road was closed during the rescue operation and curious onlookers stood next to the scene of the crash. The Johannesburg's Metro Police Department will investigate the incident.

Farm Attack in Hazyview

2007-07-29T18:27:00.000+02:00

An elderly woman is in a serious, but stable condition after she was attacked on her farm in Hazyview.

When paramedics arrived on the scene they found the elderly woman being attended to by SAPS and a doctor from Hazyview. Paramedics assisted with the treatment.

The lady sustained possible fractures of her shoulders and facial injuries. According to the lady a gun was pushed in her mouth and caused her to suffer injuries inside her mouth. It is not sure at this stage how she got injured during the attack and where she was at the time. No other reports of other injuries were received.

The lady was transported to the Nelspruit MediClinic in a serious, but stable condition.

Details are still sketchy and the scene is still being investigated by the Witrivier SAPS.

"Free" Fuel on HAZMAT Scene

2007-07-23T16:38:00.000+02:00

It was a free for all when a fuel tanker overturned in the R25 Interchange near Tembisa.

At approximately 10h00, emergency services received an emergency call for a fuel tanker that overturned and is leaking fuel. Paramedics that arrived on the scene found an extremely hazardous situation.

A fuel tanker, believed to carry almost 38 000 litres of fuel overturned on the on-ramp of the R25 towards Tembisa. The driver of the tanker was the only person that was injured and there were no other vehicles involved. He was transported to the Aarwyp Hospital by the Ekurhuleni Emergency Services.

A different site quickly developed on this highly explosive and flammable scene. Pedestrians and commuters from everywhere ran towards the overturned tanker to get their share of the "free" fuel. Literally hundreds of people stopped alongside the highway and on top of the bridge to collect fuel. Some of them used anything from a can, beer bottle, buckets and water bottles to collect fuel.

Some of the fuel collectors were so arrogant on scene that they demanded a share in the fuel and started fighting amongst each other. It is amazing to see how quickly people can get buckets and other fluid holding devices on scene. Some children were running down the on-ramp to get fuel.

The situation got worse when the "fuel collectors" started having a casual chat on the scene and lighting cigarettes. The commuters and pedestrians quickly outnumbered emergency services. The police was called in and arrived quickly on the scene.

Fire Fighters had no choice, but to use extreme action to disperse the crowd in order to continue with cleaning up operations and prevent more fuel escaping into storm-water drains. A fire hose was directed at the "fuel collectors" and opened with full force.

People were running and screaming in all directions, up the embankment and up the on-ramp. The crowd got angry that they were not allowed to collect the "free" fuel and started throwing rocks at the fire services. A quick turn of the fire hose at the rock throwers were no match, as the fire department quickly scored in their favour. The powerful water stream swept them off their feet straight into the arms of the police. The police managed to cordoned off the area, it is not certain if anyone was arrested on the scene.

Fire fighters used all means possible to contain the spillage and closed off the complete intersection as it holds a high safety risk.

Every now and again when a passerby tried to gain access to a leaking manhole on the truck, his urge for free fuel was quickly washed away with a fire hose.

13 Injured in Taxi Smash

2007-07-23T16:35:00.000+02:00

Thirteen people including the driver of a taxi have been injured when a white Hi-Ace taxi collided with a black Toyota RunX this evening on the corners of Empire and Barry Hertzog Drives.

According to a two truck driver who was sitting on the corners at the time, the taxi came "flying" through a red robot. Moments later the two vehicles collided. The taxi spun off and landed on its roof partially on the pavement next to a robot. The RunX came to a standstill not far from the overturned taxi.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, most of the patients were found lying around the taxi on the pavement. Another patient was found with serious injuries next to the front of the taxi. According to the occupants of the taxi this was the driver. He sustained multiple injuries and advanced life support maneuvers had to be implemented to save his life on scene.

Amongst the occupants of the taxi were five ladies and two of them sustained serious fractures.

Two of the occupants in the RunX were assessed and treated on the scene. The driver of the RunX declined hospital transportation.

All of the occupants from the taxi were transported to the Helen Joseph Hospital and the driver was transported to the Johannesburg General Hospital.

Hitch-hiker Mangled on Highway

2007-07-23T16:34:00.002+02:00

A suspected middle-aged hitch-hiker have died on the N1 highway just before the Beyers Naude off-ramp.

It is believed that the man was walking next to the highway in search of a possible ride when he was run over by a vehicle. When paramedics arrived on the scene, they only found pieces of a mangled body across the highway.

Clothes, bags and toiletries was scattered along the death path. Paramedics could not establish any identity on the man.

He was declared dead on the scene and the Johannesburg's Metro Police Department will investigate the accident.

According to bystanders on the scene, the initial vehicle that collided with the man did not stop on the scene. Only a second vehicle that collided with the pedestrian stopped a few metres from the body. No one was injured in this vehicle.

Paramedics had to close off the highway during the clean-up process and investigation.

Westville House Fire

2007-07-16T14:36:00.000+02:00

Ethekwini Metro Fire and Rescue Services and ER24 paramedics, rushed off to a report of a building fire at the corners of South Road and West road in Sydenham at around 10am this morning. On arrival, rescue personnel found a building engulfed in flames. Metro Fire and Rescue Services quickly sprang into action, dowsing the flames in rapid time.

Medics stood by on the scene, waiting for confirmation as to whether there were any casualty’s in the building. The all clear was eventually given and a sigh of relief was heard among the rescue crew.

An investigation will be done to determine what caused the fire and until this is completed, the building has been closed off to the public. ER24 Spokesperson, Derrick Banks says “The Fire and Rescue guys deserve full credit for taking command of the scene and ensuring the fire was quickly extinguished”

One Hour of Madness

2007-07-16T14:34:00.002+02:00

It has been an unlucky Friday the 13th for some..... in the space of 1hr, ER24 paramedics rushed to no less that 3 serious accidents in the Durban area..

In the first accident, which took place on the N2 incoming opposite the airport, a minibus taxi drove into the back of a stationery truck. The mangled wreck of the taxi had to be literally peeled from the truck he hit. The driver and conductor sustained moderate injuries and we taken by ambulance to Prince Mishyeni Hospital in Umlazi.

At the same time, another ER24 crew were busy on the M4 outgoing near the Francois Road bridge. A pedestrian crossing the freeway illegally, was hit by a motor vehicle and flung into the air. He was then hit by a second car and was found lying in the middle of the road when paramedics arrived. Medics were amazed to find the man had only sustained a fracture to his right leg. Three people from the cars sustained very minor injuries and were discharged from the scene.

Medics had only second to catch there breath when they rushed off to the M4 near the Victoria embankment for another minibus taxi that hit a Mercedes Benz. Two people were injured in the taxi and were transported to a local hospital.

All in all it was an unlucky period for some, but ER24 spokesperson Derrick Banks said "for medics, it was very lucky that both taxis were empty when they collided as there would have been many more patients to deal with....possible fatalities"

Mangled Pedestrian on Highway

2007-07-16T14:34:00.001+02:00

Only a torso was left after multiple cars collided with a pedestrian on the N1 highway at the Maraisburg on ramp.

At about 01h30 paramedics received a call for a motor vehicle accident on the highway. When paramedics arrived on the scene, they only found a white vehicle at the Gordon off ramp with a smash to the front.

Paramedics soon discovered that a pedestrian was hit about a kilometer up the road. Ambulances and response vehicles returned up the highway where they found the mangled body spread across the highway.

The body was so mangled up that only a torso could be partially identified. All three lanes of the highway was covered with human debris.

The highway is extremely dark and made it almost impossible to see the body in the road.

No one in the car was injured. We closed off the highway and Metro Police and the Investigation Unit attended to the scene.

No identification was found on or near the body.

It appears that the pedestrian tried to run across the road when he/she was struck by the car.

Man Ejected from Car

2007-07-16T14:31:00.000+02:00

A young man is lucky to be alive after he was ejected from his car during a crash.

Paramedics were called to the scene on Spencer Road next to the Golf Course where a silver car overturned. When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found a young man lying a couple of metres away from his wrecked car.

The man was in an obvious serious condition. It was soon discovered that the man sustained serious injuries, including fractures.

Fortunately paramedics found his wallet lying next to him and found a medical aid card in the wallet. He was stabilized on the scene and rushed off in an ER24 Ambulance to the Life Flora Clinic where he received specialized treatment.

He was in a critical, but stable condition on the scene. Paramedics from Clinix assisted on the scene.

Cash Heist in Bopalong

2007-07-16T14:29:00.000+02:00

It rained bullets at a local filling station in Bopalong earlier this afternoon when armed robbers robbed a Fidelity cash vehicle.

At approximately 12h20 a Fidelity cash van stopped at the Shell Garage on the Golden Highway at Bopalong to collect cash. Shortly after they stopped, gunmen opened fire at the guards, injuring two.

One of the guards is in a critical, but stable condition after he was shot in the stomach and his partner in the arm. Paramedics stabilized them both on the scene and rushed them off to the MediVaal Hospital where they will receive specialized medical treatment.

It is not sure if the robbers got away with any money. The Vaal Rand Police will investigate the incident.

No one else was injured during this shoot-out.

Boerboel Rushed to Hospital by Ambulance

2007-07-16T14:28:00.000+02:00

ER24 Emergency Services received a call via the emergency line at about 07h15 of a man that collapsed in a street in Bosmont.

According to the call taker, there was a lot of screaming in the background. Paramedics were dispatched to the location given, only to find a completely different scenario.

Paramedics were shocked to find a tan-colored Boerbull hanging by its testicles from a palisade fence in the front yard of a house.

According to the home owners, they heard a dog howling at about midnight, but it soon stopped. The dog was in a very bad shape and in obvious pain. He lost a lot of blood and vomited. He was hanging with is head down.

Paramedics tried to remove the dog from the fence, but he was so stuck that they had to use a surgical blade to cut him loose from the fence. With a veterinarian on the phone line, the paramedics were guided into saving this dog's life. After the dog was cut loose from the fence, paramedics gave him oxygen, put up a drip and rushed him off to a waiting veterinarian at the Roodepoort SPCA.

The dog was treated in the back of the ambulance and rushed to the SPCA whilst the doctor guided through specialist care for the K9.

It is not clear why the dog got stuck on the almost one and a half meter fence. According to the home owner, the dog does not belong to them, but might be one of the neighbours'. It was also mentioned that this is not the first time dogs came into their yard, as they have a big hole in the fence and no one understands why the dog didn't use the hole to go out again. It never bothered them that dogs go in and out of the yard.

On arrival at the Roodepoort SPCA the veterinarian waited for the dog and gave him morphine. It is understood that the dog will undergo emergency surgery.

The ambulance booked unavailable after the call and was taken to a decontamination area at the base where it was cleaned and re-sterilized before a human patient will be transported.

Freak Accident Kills One, Injure Another

2007-07-08T13:47:00.000+02:00

A freak accident killed a man this morning and left another in a serious condition.

Four men travelled on the back of a blue bakkie down North Boulevard in Bruma when the incident occurred. It is believed that two men were standing on the back of a bakkie when the bakkie travelled underneath a 2.1 meter height restriction sign. A cross bar enforcing the height restriction collided with the two men standing, killing one of them instantly. The man that was killed sustained major injuries to his head and face. His fellow occupant who was standing next to him at the time, was also hit by the cross bar. He sustained serious injuries to his head and was transported per ambulance to the Bedford Garden Hospital.

Two other occupants - who was also on the bakkie at the time - was sitting when the incident occurred. They did not sustain any injuries, but were clearly traumatized by the event. The driver of the bakkie - believed to be the deceased's brother was also in shock and treated on the scene. The man was declared dead by Netcare.

All of the remaining occupants were transported to hospital where they will receive trauma counselling and further medical assistance.

According to a bystander on the scene, all of the occupants work at the East Gate Shopping Centre and is doing contract work.

The exact cause for the accident is not clear. The Johannesburg Metro Police's Accident Investigation Department will investigate the accident. The SAPS opened a docket on the scene.

At the time, it was not clear if the two standing occupants were standing on the side of the bakkie or physically inside the load compartment when they were hit.

The driver of the bakkie only realized what had happened a few metres down the road and pulled onto the side of the pavement.

Paramedics and Rescue Services were immediately contacted to assist. ER24 and Netcare attended to the scene.

Dicing Taxis Cause Crash

2007-07-08T13:45:00.000+02:00

Paramedics attended to an accident yesterday that could have resulted in multiple and serious injuries and possibly have been prevented.

According to eyewitnesses and bystanders on scene, two Hi-Ace taxis were dicing on the M1 Highway just after the Riviera on ramp. It is believed that a white taxi was traveling in the emergency lane and a red taxi in the slow lane. According to the witnesses they tried constantly to overtake each other and swerved towards each other.

Seconds later the two taxis collided when one of them got too close to the other one. Both of the taxis collided with each other causing one of them to overturn in the middle of the highway whilst the other one spun off into the fast lane.

Two civilian vehicles, a black Citi Golf and a grey VW Jetta was travelling behind the taxis. Trying to avoid the collision between the two taxis, the two civilian vehicles collided with each other in the fast lane.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, the driver of the white taxi crawled out of his vehicle crying. He sustained multiple abrasions to his body, but no serious injuries. A pregnant lady in the Jetta was also assessed on the scene as well as a mother and her son in the Citi Golf. Fortunately they did not sustain any injuries, but were assessed on the scene for shock. Both parties declined ambulance transportation.

The driver of the taxi that overturned was transported in a stable condition to the Hillbrow Clinic.

The driver of the taxi that spun off into the fast lane, had harsh words towards the driver of the white taxi. Bystanders soon joined in and tried to get answers from the drivers why they acted so recklessly.

The scene was cleared quickly and the highway was opened about 20 minutes later. Metro Police also attended to the scene. The highway was backed up passed Empire Road in the direction of Sandton. Onlookers on the opposite side of the highway also slowed down to have a look.

It is not certain if Metro Police opened a docket against any of the drivers. Fortunately none of the taxis were carrying any passengers at the time.

Six Injured in Pinehaven Crash

2007-07-08T13:43:00.002+02:00

A woman had to be rescued from the wreck of her car this afternoon after she was involved in a serious collision at the Pinehaven crossing in Krugersdorp.

A collision between a bakkie and a sedan resulted in six people, including two six year old children, being injured at this intersection. It is believed that the two vehicles collided and smashed the sedan on the passenger side. A woman who was sitting in the front passenger seat, had to be rescued by the West Rand District Municipality with the Jaws-of-Life.

The driver of the vehicle was freely removed and immobilized on the scene. All of the occupants were transported to the Krugersdorp Private Hospital.

ER24, West Rand District Municipality and Netcare attended to the scene.

Mangled Pedestrian on N1

2007-07-08T13:43:00.001+02:00

Only a torso was left after multiple cars collided with a pedestrian on the N1 highway at the Maraisburg on ramp this morning.

At about 01h30 paramedics received a call for a motor vehicle accident on the highway. When paramedics arrived on the scene, they only found a white vehicle at the Gordon off ramp with a smash to the front.

Paramedics soon discovered that a pedestrian was hit about a kilometer up the road. Ambulances and response vehicles returned up the highway where they found the mangled body spread across the highway.

The body was so mangled up that only a torso could be partially identified. All three lanes of the highway was covered with human debris.

The highway is extremely dark and made it almost impossible to see the body in the road.

No one in the car was injured. We closed off the highway and Metro Police and the Investigation Unit attended to the scene.

No identification was found on or near the body.

It appears that the pedestrian tried to run across the road when he/she was struck by the car.

Ejected from Car, Lucky to be Alive

2007-07-08T13:41:00.000+02:00

A young man is lucky to be alive after he was ejected from his car during a crash this morning.

Paramedics were called to the scene on Spencer Road next to the Golf Course where a silver car overturned. When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found a young man lying a couple of metres away from his wrecked car.

The man was in an obvious serious condition. It was soon discovered that the man sustained serious injuries, including fractures.

Fortunately paramedics found his wallet lying next to him and found a medical aid card in the wallet. He was stabilized on the scene and rushed off in an ER24 Ambulance to the Life Flora Clinic where he received specialized treatment.

He was in a critical, but stable condition on the scene. Paramedics from Clinix assisted on the scene

K9 Gets Help from Ambulance

2007-07-08T13:40:00.000+02:00

ER24 Emergency Services received a call via the emergency line this morning at about 07h15 of a man that collapsed in a street in Bosmont.

According to the call taker, there was a lot of screaming in the background. Paramedics were dispatched to the location given, only to find a completely different scenario.

Paramedics were shocked to find a tan-colored Boerbull hanging by its testicles from a palisade fence in the front yard of a house.

According to the home owners, they heard a dog howling at about midnight, but it soon stopped. The dog was in a very bad shape and in obvious pain. He lost a lot of blood and vomited. He was hanging with is head down.

Paramedics tried to remove the dog from the fence, but he was so stuck that they had to use a surgical blade to cut him loose from the fence. With a veterinarian on the phone line, the paramedics were guided into saving this dog's life. After the dog was cut loose from the fence, paramedics gave him oxygen, put up a drip and rushed him off to a waiting veterinarian at the Roodepoort SPCA.

The dog was treated in the back of the ambulance and rushed to the SPCA whilst the doctor guided through specialist care for the K9.

It is not clear why the dog got stuck on the almost one and a half meter fence. According to the home owner, the dog does not belong to them, but might be one of the neighbours'. It was also mentioned that this is not the first time dogs came into their yard, as they have a big hole in the fence and no one understands why the dog didn't use the hole to go out again. It never bothered them that dogs go in and out of the yard.

The ambulance booked unavailable after the call and was taken to a decontamination area at the base where it was cleaned and re-sterilized before a human patient will be transported.

Fire Tunics for University Johannesburg Ndip EMC

2007-07-03T11:36:00.000+02:00

It was a combination between a sad story and a memory that will keep paramedics safe not just in mind, but physically as well. ER24, Cell C and Medi-Clinic sponsored a total of 16 Fire Tunics to National Diploma Paramedic Students of the University of Johannesburg.

The word tunic comes from the latin word tunica and it was the common masculine garment of the Greco-Roman civilisation. In Ancient Greece, a person's tunic was decorated with various colours and was used to identify the person in the city he lived in or the rank he assumed.

In modern days the tunic has adapted many forms. One such form is the Fire Tunic which Firemen and Paramedics wear to keep them safe during hazardous rescue operations.

Late Albie Greyling (1981/02/24 - 2007/02/02) saw the need for tunics for him and his classmates. Albie was a final year paramedic student at the University of Johannesburg when he approached Medi-Clinic for a possible sponsorship of jackets for the final year students. On the 2nd of February 2007, Albie was murdered by alleged robbers outside his mother's home in Pretoria. It is believed that he walked in on a house robbery that went horribly wrong.

Being a student, it is difficult to fund a tunic of such a high standard yourself. One jacket ranges between three and five thousand rands, depending on the intended use of the jacket and sometimes rank.

Medi-Clinic agreed to a joint sponsorship between ER24 and Cell C. A week before Albie's death, the sponsorship was approved. Role players tried to get hold of Albie to convey the good news, only to receive bad news in return.

Albie's death sent shock waves through the EMS community and fellow classmates.

The sponsorship was turned into a tribute to Albie. On June the 22nd, 16 Anti-hazardous Fire Tunics was handed over to the final year paramedic students. As tradition holds, the jackets were handed over at a ceremony held at the head office of ER24. Each Fire Tunic has the name and rank of the student embroided on the chest along with the University's logo on the opposite side.

Paramedics are mere instruments of God. Our hands and arms are instruments, therefore you will find Albie Greyling (1981/02/24 - 2007/02/02) embroided on the right sleeve of the Fire Tunic.

We trust that each tunic will be put to excellent use and will reflect the bond that the EMS (Emergency Medical Service) family has.

(NOTE: Not all of the students are featured in this photo.)

Financial Manager Dies in Horror Crash

2007-06-30T12:12:00.000+02:00

A 33 year old Financial Manager of a well known car company in Pretoria has died in a horrific crash this morning.

At approximately 09h15, ER24 received a distress call from Traffic Net. A member of the public who witnessed the crash described it as horrific when she phoned it through to Emergency Services.

When paramedics arrived on the scene of the crash at the N1 Brakfontein Interchange, they found the 33 year old motor biker wedged underneath the barrier next to the highway with his bike lying about 100 metres from him.

It is appears that he lost control on the bend travelling towards Polokwane (North) and crashed into the barriers. According to the witness on scene, there were no other vehicles involved.

Paramedics determined that he sustained major injuries to his body and especially his legs. Unfortunately there was nothing paramedics could do on the scene to resuscitate him. It is believed that he died on impact. He was declared dead on scene.

The Pretoria Police (Wierdabrug SAPS) attended to the scene and will conduct an investigation into the cause of the crash.

Paramedics had to phone several numbers before they could get hold of family. No immediate family could be reached at the time.

The highway's slow and emergency lane was closed for traffic during the investigation.

Toy gun used in salon hostage drama

2007-06-23T13:44:00.000+02:00

A toy gun was used in an eight hour hostage drama at a salon in Vanderbijlpark, Vaal Rand police said today. "The gun he used to take seven people hostage was not real," said William Mcera, a police captain. The man held seven people hostage to the interior of the salon in Attie Fourie Street from 4pm yesterday until 2am this morning. From the information the police received, they were under the impression that the gun was real."We were convinced that the suspect was a threat to the life of Lydia Jacobs, the last hostage, after he demanded that a car be brought to the door of the salon, all indications were that he was going to take the woman with him and police could not risk that," said Mcera.Police then fired a shot and the hostage taker was killed. Mcera said the man was a about 21 or 22 years old. His identity could not be released immediately. The motive for the hostage was not known. "It was seemingly a robbery," Mcera said. He said police had already given the man part of the R50 000 he had demanded. It was obtained from the safe in the salon.The drama started at 4.15pm yesterday when what witnesses described as a cross dresser produced a firearm and took the owner of the salon in Attie Fourie Street, Merle Scheepers, and six other people hostage. He demanded a ransom of R50 000 and a car. He subsequently released Scheepers and five other hostages, retaining one.Cross dresser was knownPolice task force members and hostage negotiators earlier descended on the cordoned-off area, George Scheepers' husband said: "He asked for the keys to the safe. I think it is an inside job." Merle Scheepers recognised her captor as a robber who had held her at gunpoint in the salon and demanded money, jewellery and cell phones on May 24, he said. Two women on the scene recognised the man as one in pictures police circulated after the previous robbery."The police showed us photos of him then and today he was walking through the corridor dressed in women's clothing with big sunglasses on," said a woman who refused to be named. She said the man was "trying to walk like a woman." A woman who answered the phone in the salon said she was "very scared. "He is holding a gun to us." The woman said as she was answering the phone to speak to the police. Fearing for the life of the last hostage, police shot and killed the man around 2am today, bringing to an end the eight-hour hostage drama. "It's over, he is no longer," said Mcera. All the hostages were safe, he said. The interior of Merle's Hair Boutique looked a mess as police quickly placed a white sheet across the front door, blocking onlookers' viewA crowd gathered outside the salon behind police lines watching as the hostage drama drew to a close. Jacobs was the last person to see the hostage taker alive. She was a customer who was the last hostage and her condition was described, however, she was too shaken to speak to the media. - Sapa