Two dead in Alberton pileup

Two people were killed and according to updated information over 15 people were injured when the petrol tanker crashed in rush hour traffic.

 

"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.

 

Earlier, 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 and seven of the injured critical.

 

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

 

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