A devastating day on Empangeni's roads has left eleven people injured following two separate vehicle collisions that occurred within hours of each other, prompting a massive emergency response across the city.
The first collision unfolded at approximately 12h30 this afternoon on the busy R34 John Ross Highway in Empangeni. Two vehicles collided in circumstances that remain under investigation, leaving a scene of twisted metal and shattered glass. Emergency responders worked swiftly to extricate two patients who sustained serious injuries in the impact.
Both individuals were stabilized on scene by advanced life support paramedics before being transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical intervention.
The second incident occurred just hours later at approximately 17h30 on Rex Henderson Road in Empangeni, involving a taxi and a light motor vehicle.
This collision resulted in a far more extensive casualty count, with nine people requiring medical attention. Three patients sustained serious injuries requiring advanced life support intervention, while six others suffered minor injuries.
The complexity of the scene demanded a coordinated multi-vehicle emergency response, with all nine patients successfully stabilized and transported to hospital for further treatment.
South African Police Services attended both collision scenes and have launched investigations to determine the cause of these incidents. The exact circumstances leading to both collisions remain under investigation.