[Johannesburg, GP 21 August 2012 12:30]
A truck driver lost control of the vehicle on the M2 west near the Denver off ramp, leaving himself and his passenger with significant injury.
Despite his injuries the driver managed to climb from the vehicle while his passenger was trapped by his legs. Paramedics and rescues quickly got to work upon arrival at the scene. The driver was treated for a broken leg and arm while the passenger was stabilised inside the vehicle as best paramedics could while the Jaws of Life were being used to cut away at the metal around him. It was found that he had sustained significant breaks to the bones in both of his legs.
Both men in their 30’s, who remained alert throughout their ordeal despite their serious injuries, were taken to Milpark hospital by ambulance.
Although the details remain to be properly investigated, the driver explained that he lost control of the truck after another heavy duty vehicle appeared to have suddenly stopped in front of him. The smaller truck then crashed through the roadside barrier and into a cement pillar at the side of the road before coming to rest down a short embankment.
Vanessa Jackson, ER24