Latest reports from DispatchLive has reveal that the patient passed away while two medical services personnel were seriously injured in a collision between an ambulance and a truck on the N6 near Kwetyana village outside East London on Thursday morning.
Eastern Cape transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the circumstances surrounding the accident were still unclear.
“The ambulance and truck were travelling in the same direction, from Komani towards East London, when the crash occurred,” Binqose said.
“It is alleged that the Volvo truck was driving behind the ambulance, but it is not clear how they collided.”
The patient being transported in the ambulance died at the scene, while the ambulance driver and a colleague were injured.
Rescuers had use jaws of life to free the trapped paramedics, who have been taken to hospital for treatment.
The truck driver escaped unharmed.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened at the Macleantown police station.
Eastern Cape health MEC Ntandokazi Capa sent condolences to the family of the patient.
Burgersdorp emergency medical services personnel had been transporting a TB patient to Nkqubela TB Hospital in Mdantsane when the incident occurred.
The patient was declared dead on the scene while the two EMS staff members were trapped in the vehicle.
MEC Capa said she was saddened by the fatal accident.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the patient,” she said.
“This was an unfortunate accident that cut the life of the patient short.
“May her soul rest in peace.
“It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially when they depart in such circumstances. We also wish our EMS crew members a speedy recovery.”
