PICS: 9 hurt, 2 police vans crushed on N2
WRECKED: One of two police vehicles hit by container on N2. Pictures: Leon Knipe
Traffic on the N2 highway on Monday came to a standstill and motorists forced to use alternative routes after a container truck tipped and crushed two police vehicles, leaving nine people injured.
According to mense on the scene, one police officer was trapped inside a van.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said the victims were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and the matter is under investigation.
“Mowbray police registered a case of reckless and negligent driving for further investigation.
“We can confirm that nine victims sustained injuries owing to a motor vehicle accident on the N2 highway between Jan Smuts Drive and Raapenberg Road at around 10.45am,” he explained.
“The victims were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.”
Swartbooi could not respond to queries as to whether the truck driver had been arrested or not, or if those injured were all police officers.
According to witnesses, the truck driver was “driving recklessly” when the heavy metal container came loose and slid off, crushing the police vehicles as well as damaging two others.
Spokesperson Kevin Jacobs said traffic officers attended to the crash on the N2 involving a container truck.
“The two right lanes on the N2 inbound between Jan Smuts and Raapenberg were closed and have since reopened,” he added.
Swartbooi said police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to call Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111.