News24 | Reckless driving blamed as ambulance overturns on N2 in KwaZulu-Natal

A provincial ambulance overturned on the N2, near the Umfolozi River, as it avoided a speeding sedan, injuring one crew member.

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has called for urgent road safety measures after a provincial ambulance was involved in a serious accident on the N2 highway, outside Richards Bay, on Saturday.

The incident took place in the Umkhanyakude district in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the health department, the ambulance was transporting a critical patient, as well as the patient’s relative, from Hlabisa Hospital to Ngwelezana Hospital.

It reportedly overturned after attempting to avoid a vehicle that had allegedly lost control near the Umfolozi River.

Preliminary reports suggested the sedan was speeding and driving erratically before veering in the direction of the ambulance.

An ambulance crew member sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention.

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The patient and the relative suffered minor injuries and were transferred to another ambulance to complete their journey to Ngwelezana Hospital.

Recovery operations to remove the damaged ambulance were underway late on Saturday, while authorities continued investigations into the exact cause of the crash.

Simelane condemned reckless driving, warning that such behaviour not only endangered drivers, but also placed emergency responders and patients at risk.

“Accidents like these, while unnecessary, are also avoidable. Our emergency medical teams courageously serve our community every day. Today, one of our own colleagues became a victim of a preventable road incident.

“We urge the public to reflect on the profound consequences of irresponsible driving, and to join us in prioritising safety for all who share our roads,” she said.