N12 Alberton crash shocking: Transport MEC

"During October transport month particularly we expect all drivers to exercise caution on our roads. This incident is unfortunate and should not be tolerated. We cannot overemphasise the growing importance of road safety," Vadi said in a statement.

 

"Our appeal is that all motorists, and taxi, bus, and truck drivers in particular, exercise greater care on our roads and respect for the rights and lives of others."

 

He sent his condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured, especially those in a critical condition, a full recovery.

 

The N12 East has been blocked off at the Comaro Street off-ramp following the accident south-west of Johannesburg, where a petrol tanker crashed into scores of vehicles.

 

Johannesburg metro police Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said motorists were advised to use the M1, M2, or Xavier Street or Kliprivier Road as exit routes to avoid the traffic congestion.

 

Earlier, paramedics revised the number of people injured in the accident.

 

Two people were killed and three people sustained critical injuries.

 

"Two patients were airlifted by the Netcare1 helicopter and one patient rushed to hospital for the urgent... care they required," Netcare 911 spokeswoman Santi Steinmann said in a statement.

 

"Seventeen people sustained injuries ranging from moderate to serious and were transported to various hospitals after receiving medical treatment on scene."

 

Two heavy trucks and 45 cars were involved in the accident.

 

"The road will remain obstructed for the scene to be cleared," she said.

 

The accident happened on the N12 East near Voortrekker Road.

 

Prior to the updated information being released, ER24 said 54 people were injured in the accident.

 

"A petrol tanker had apparently lost control and collided with the multiple vehicles," spokesman Russel Meiring in a statement.

 

"When ER24 paramedics, as well as other services, arrived on scene they found multiple vehicles and car parts spread across the road."

 

Paramedics began their assessment and found two people had been killed.

 

"The driver of the petrol tanker told paramedics that his brakes had apparently failed, causing him to collide with... multiple vehicles," he said.

 

Meiring had said it was believed the accident happened around 7.30am.