Driver killed after Toyota Quantum crashes into broken-down SAPS Nyala - IOL

Emergency services used specialised hydraulic equipment to free a taxi driver trapped in the wreckage of his vehicle after a high-impact collision with a SAPS Nyala on the N3 in Ekurhuleni.

A taxi driver has died after his Toyota Quantum crashed into a South African Police Service (SAPS) Nyala vehicle that had reportedly broken down and was stranded on the N3 southbound in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, in the early hours of Tuesday.

The driver was trapped behind the steering wheel following the high-impact collision between the Elands and Rand Airport interchanges.

The City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) said the accident occurred at 00:37 on 3 November.

DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi said the rescue team from Germiston Fire Station received an emergency call at 00:37 and immediately responded.

“On arrival, the non-responsive Toyota Quantum driver was found trapped behind the steering wheel,” Ntladi said.

He said specialised hydraulic rescue equipment had to be used to cut through the wreckage and free the driver.

The driver was declared dead at the scene.

Ntladi confirmed that no casualties were reported in the Nyala, adding that its driver was apparently the only occupant.

According to Ntladi, it is alleged that the Nyala experienced a mechanical breakdown and became stranded in the middle of the freeway.

“The Toyota Quantum came from behind and had a direct high-impact crash, instantly killing the driver,” he said.

Two slower lanes were temporarily closed to allow emergency personnel to carry out rescue operations.

Ntladi said the scene was handed over to police for investigation and rehabilitation, while the deceased was removed by Forensic Pathology Services.

The N3 collision comes after IOL reported over the weekend that two women were killed and five other people injured in a multiple-vehicle crash on the N1 near Kranskop in Limpopo.

The crash, involving four vehicles – three sedans and an SUV – occurred in the Waterberg District between Kranskop and the Modimolle off-ramp.

Preliminary reports indicate that the collision began when a seven-seater Toyota Rumion and a Kia sedan crashed head-on.

A second head-on collision followed when other motorists apparently attempted to avoid the initial crash. This involved a Kia Picanto and an Audi.

Three people – two men and a woman – sustained serious injuries, while another man was critically injured and was awaiting evacuation by helicopter. A further woman sustained minor injuries.

The N1 northbound was closed from the Kranskop Toll Plaza, with traffic diverted along the R33 through Modimolle before rejoining the R101.