Five commuters were injured after the taxi they were in overturned on the M19 Durban bound, just past the Otto Volk Bridge, during the heavy downpour of rain that occurred this morning.
Pinetown Fire Department and ER24 arrived on the scene and found the taxi in the emergency lane on its roof. The five commuters had already climbed out of the taxi and were found seated underneath the bridge staying dry. Paramedics examined the patients and found that two patients were complaining of pains to their necks and back region. They needed to be placed on specialised boards to protect their spines from any further injuries. The remaining three commuters suffered minor abrasions to their legs and arms. All patients were transported to R K Khans Hospital for further medical care. The driver was uninjured in the accident.
It is believed that the driver lost control when he hit a water puddle on the M19, after the sudden down pour of rain. The taxi went up an embankment and then rolled onto its roof before coming to a halt. All necessary authorities were on the scene and would be investigating the incident further.
Derrick Banks, ER24