One person died and another was seriously injured after two vehicles collided on the M41 near the Cornubia Mall off-ramp in Durban.
The crash left a Volkswagen Golf 1 engulfed in flames. Emergency medical teams from KZN VIP responded and found both vehicles severely damaged.
“The intensity of the fire prevented initial attempts to extinguish the blaze,” KZN VIP said in its account of the incident.
Firefighters were called to the scene and arrived shortly afterwards. The occupant of the Golf sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
The driver of the second vehicle was seriously injured. KZN VIP paramedics stabilised the driver under advanced life-support care before transporting the patient to a medical facility for further treatment.
The person’s condition after arriving at hospital was not immediately available.
Circumstances remain unclear
The circumstances leading up to the collision had not been confirmed at the latest update.
The South African Police Service, the Collision Unit and other emergency services attended the scene while emergency teams worked to secure the area, extinguish the fire and treat the injured driver.
The roadway was obstructed for some time as investigators and emergency personnel dealt with the wreckage.
Police and the Collision Unit will need to establish how the vehicles came into contact, which lanes they were travelling in, whether any other vehicles or people were involved and what factors may have contributed to the crash.
The cause cannot be determined from the fire or the condition of the vehicles alone. Investigators may consider witness statements, vehicle examinations, road conditions and any available camera footage.
Emergency response
The crash presented emergency crews with an additional challenge because of the fire in the Golf. The intensity of the blaze initially prevented attempts to extinguish it, according to KZN VIP.
Firefighters then worked to bring the flames under control so that the scene could be safely accessed.
Paramedics assessed both occupants. The occupant of the burning vehicle could not be saved, while the driver of the second vehicle received advanced life support before being taken to hospital.
The names of the deceased and injured driver had not been released in the supplied information, pending the relevant notifications and procedures.
Investigation continues
The Collision Unit and police will investigate the fatal crash. A formal investigation is expected to determine whether any criminal or traffic-related offences occurred.
At the latest update, one person had died, another was seriously injured and the circumstances of the collision remained unclear.
KZN VIP extended its condolences to the deceased person’s family and loved ones and wished the injured driver a full recovery.
Motorists are urged to approach the area with caution while any remaining investigation or road-clearing work is under way.