When paramedics arrived on the scene in Underberg, where 74 people were injured in a bus accident, there was absolute chaos.
DURBAN – Seventy-four people were injured when the bus they were travelling in rolled down an embankment in Underberg on Sunday morning.
Underberg Emergency Medical Services (UEMS) base manager Kate Bodmann said that paramedics were dispatched to a crash along Coleford Road in the vicinity of Umzimkulu River Lodge at 9.30am.
Bodmann said that upon arrival the UEMS crew found “absolute chaos at the accident scene”.
“A bus carrying churchgoers had lost control on a sharp bend and left the roadway, rolling down an embankment,” she said.
Bodmann, an advanced life support paramedic and managing director of UEMS, took on the role of scene commander.
“It was established that 74 patients, including 14 children, had sustained minor to serious injuries and required medical intervention,” she said.
She said a call was made to other emergency services for assistance and for the transportation of the injured.
Bodmann added that by 11.45am all 74 patients were accounted for and being transported to nearby hospitals for the further medical care.
“I am so grateful to be part of an occupation where EMS services from as far as Pietermaritzburg arrive on scene to assist. @MagmaEMS Mi7 National Group ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd. Midlands EMS Netcare911 @EMRS @GijimaEMS. As well as #NDZFire, #NDZTraffic, #RTI and to all the extremely awesome civilians for your assistance on scene today. Thank you all!” she said.
KZN police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed that the bus accident occurred in Underberg on Sunday morning
