KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service responded to a scene of absolute devastation this afternoon following a head-on collision on the M70 in the Embundweni area, just outside Pietermaritzburg.
At approximately 13:00, emergency dispatchers received reports of a severe motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival, first responders were met with a chaotic scene involving a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and a hatchback passenger vehicle. The force of the head-on impact left both vehicles with extensive structural damage, showing the terrifying nature of the crash.
Paramedics immediately initiated a mass casualty triage protocol to manage the high volume of patients. Following a rapid and thorough assessment, it was determined that three individuals had sustained serious injuries, requiring urgent advanced life support intervention. An additional 14 patients suffered minor to moderate injuries.
Tragically, the victims included a group of children between the ages of 13 and 15. These young pedestrians were caught in the path of the collision and were among those treated for minor injuries.
The complexity of the scene required a massive, coordinated effort. Once stabilized, the 17 patients were transported by various ambulance services to several nearby medical facilities for definitive care.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the local Fire Department were on-site to assist with scene safety and the clearing of debris. While both vehicles came to rest off the roadway, traffic flow on the M70 was significantly impacted for a period as emergency crews worked to treat the injured.
The exact cause of the collision is not yet known and is currently under investigation by local authorities.
