[DURBAN – 18 July 2011 at 08H30]
Fourteen commuters were injured after a taxi collided in to the back of another taxi on Umgeni Road just past the North Coast bridge this morning.
ER24 paramedics were among the first to arrive on the scene and found both taxi’s in the right hand lane of Umgeni Road, completely blocking two lanes and causing major traffic delays for motorist coming into Durban this morning.
One commuter was mechanical entrapped in the second taxi, as the dash board had been pushed down from the impact. The Fire Department used the Jaws of Life to push the dash board from his leg and he was able to be freed. He was treated for possible neck and back injuries due to the impact. Another commuter that was outside the taxi with the remaining patients was also complaining of pains to his neck and back. Both patients were placed on specialised boards to help stabilise their backs from any further injuries. The remaining twelve patients sustained minor cuts and bruises. All patients were transported to various hospitals in the greater Durban area for further medical care.
It is believed that following distance was the main concern in this accident but the local authorities were on the scene and would investigate the accident further.
Derrick Banks, ER24
