Earlier this morning, at approximately 9:00 AM, KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service was dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on the R617 at Landies Hill in the Howick area.
Upon arrival, paramedics were met with a scene of absolute devastation. A heavy-duty truck, reportedly fully laden with molasses, had been traveling down the steep descent of Landies Hill when it allegedly suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure of its braking system. The out-of-control heavy vehicle careened into a single-cab bakkie in a violent head-on collision, causing both vehicles to overturn and leave a trail of wreckage and molasses across the roadway.
Paramedics immediately began a rapid triage of the scene. They discovered two occupants within the bakkie who had sustained serious injuries. Both patients were stabilized on-scene using advanced life support interventions before being rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent specialized care.
Tragically, the impact proved fatal for two individuals. One occupant from the truck and one occupant from the bakkie sustained unsurvivable injuries and were declared deceased by paramedics upon arrival.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the local Fire Department remained on-scene to manage the complex recovery operation and conduct investigations. The R617 was initially closed in both directions to allow for the extrication of the victims and the clearing of the hazardous molasses spill. The roadway has since been cleared and is now open to traffic flow, though motorists are advised to exercise caution in the area.
The exact cause of the accident is subject to further police investigation.
