Petrol tanker brakes failed - driver

The driver of the petrol tanker told ER24 paramedics that his brakes failed, causing him to collide with an estimated 47 vehicles Two people were killed and about 54 injured when a petrol tanker crashed into scores of vehicles in Alberton, south east of Johannesburg on Tuesday morning, paramedics said.

Netcare 911 spokeswoman Santi Steinmann said around 45 vehicles and two trucks were involved in the crash.

"A petrol tanker had apparently lost control and collided with the multiple vehicles," said ER24 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 with seven of the 54 injured, critically so.

"Paramedics immediately began their treatment of the patients, providing them with advanced life support," he said. "Extra resources were called in by the emergency services to help treat the injured on scene."

One of the critically injured patients required rapid advanced life support and was airlifted to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for further treatment. "The remaining patients were treated for their injuries and transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment," Meiring said.

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

Meiring said it was believed the accident happened around 7.30am. Transport MEC Ismail Vadi issued a statement expressing "utter shock and dismay at this fatal accident involving so many vehicles".

"We cannot over-emphasise the growing importance of road safety. 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 said.