[HARRISMITH] Seven killed, one critical in a collision between a truck, Kombi and a Pajero

Seven people have been killed and one is in a critical condition following a collision between a truck, a Kombi and a Pajero on the N3, Harrismith this evening.

ER24 paramedics were on the scene at 19:20 along with the Free State EMS, Fire Department, Highway Patrol, the N3TC road patrol and one other private Emergency Medical Service. The Pajero was found up against the barrier on the Johannesburg bound side of the N3 and the Kombi was found wedged under the front of a truck, in the veld, on the Durban bound side. Two people were found deceased in the Pajero and were declared on arrival by the Free State EMS. Five people in the Kombi, believed to be from one family, were found with fatal injuries and also declared on arrival by the Free State EMS. All the occupants were found entrapped in the vehicle.

The only survivor from the Kombi, a 15-year-old boy, was also found entrapped in the vehicle. It took teamwork from all the emergency services on-scene to help keep the truck from collapsing further while others helped extract the critically injured patient. He was treated and transported to hospital by the other private medical service on scene.

Both sides of the Freeway were severely backed up following the incident but as stated the N3TC, as well as the SAPS Highway Patrol, were on scene to control traffic as well as for investigation. ER24 would like to thank all of the services on the scene for the teamwork in saving the 15-year-old boy.