The Northern Cape Department of Health has confirmed that an 89-year-old woman died at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley after the state ambulance in which she was travelling rolled on the R31 near Barkly West.
THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Health has confirmed that an 89-year-old female patient died at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley after the state ambulance in which she was travelling rolled on the R31 near Barkly West on Thursday.
The patient was being transferred from Kuruman to Kimberley and the ambulance rolled after the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle.
An eye-witness said they found a paramedic unconscious on the scene, while the elderly patient was conscious but had suffered serious head injuries.
The witness said that he was among the first people to arrive at the accident scene.
He said the police were on the scene, while two forensic vehicles arrived later.
“One of the forensic vehicles came from Barkly West while the other one was from Kimberley. The ambulances were the last to arrive and transported the patients to hospital, ” said the witness.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said the Barkly West SAPS are investigating a culpable homicide case after an accident on the R31 on Thursday, about 2km outside of Barkly West.
“On March 9, 2022, at about 3.45pm, the driver of the ambulance was travelling with a crew member and one patient. They were travelling from Kuruman en route to Kimberley when she (the driver) allegedly lost control of the vehicle and it rolled several times,” said Kock.
“They were transporting an 89-year-old patient to Kimberley for medical treatment. All the occupants were females.
“The patient, unfortunately, succumbed to her injuries and passed on in hospital.”
The Northern Cape Department of Health confirmed the incident.
Department spokesperson Lulu Mxekezo said two crew members and a patient were on board.
“The cause of the accident is being investigated. Sadly, the patient died at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital,” said Mxekezo.
“One of the EMS crew members is still under observation in hospital and the other EMS crew member has been discharged.
“The Northern Cape Department of Health conveys deepest condolences to the bereaved family and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured EMS personnel.”
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Warrant Officer John Moleele on 073 400 3019.
