Five children among eight killed in N2 truck collision near Scottburgh
A HORRIFIC collision between a van and truck on the N2 near Scottburgh has claimed eight lives, including five children aged 4 to 5.
Two others were critically injured in the late-night crash that emergency responders described as a “horrific scene”.
According to emergency responders, the crash occurred when a van carrying ten people rear-ended a truck. The impact resulted in catastrophic damage to the smaller vehicle.
IPSS Medical Rescue spokespersons described the incident as a “horrific scene.”
“Last night IPSS Medical Rescue received reports of a motor vehicle collision on the N2 near the Scottburgh offramp.
“A van with ten occupants had rear-ended a truck resulting in two occupants being critically injured. Sadly, the remaining eight occupants of the van had sustained fatal injuries and were declared deceased on scene. Among the deceased were five children aged between four and five years old,” said IPSS Medical Rescue.
Johan Jonck, from Arrive Alive, who confirmed the tragedy, said road traffic officials were investigating the cause of the crash but motorists had to stay vigilant.
“We need to be cautious of the dangers of driving at night, the importance of slowing down and being visible, to see and be seen. Arrive Alive strives to share more information on the prevention of these types of rear-end crashes, including the need to drive at a safe speed and to allow the space and time for timeous response.
“We need to remain focused on the dangers of vehicle breakdowns, resulting in vehicles becoming stationary on the roads and the need to have prior warning with an emergency triangle at least 45m from such vehicles as is required by the rules of the road,” said Jonck.