M7 tanker crash: Diesel looted by bystanders as paramedics worked to rescue trapped victims

Members of the public were seen on video looting diesel from a tanker that crashed on the M7 near the Bluff on Monday while paramedics worked to free the trapped crash victims.

It was reported that thousands of litres of diesel were spilled when a tanker and another truck were involved in a T-bone collision at the M2 North on-ramp onto the M7. Videos shared on social media showed people lining up with containers to collect the diesel that was gushed down the road after the crash.

ALS Paramedics said that at about 10:30 am, multiple ALS paramedic units responded to the crash. Paramedics found that the tanker had overturned and come to rest on its side, immediately leaking diesel across the roadway.

ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, said crews arrived to find “chaos and carnage” at the scene.

“Two trucks with trailers, one being a tanker, had been involved in a T-bone collision. The tanker overturned and started leaking approximately 30,000 litres of diesel onto the roadway,” the spokesperson said.

“Paramedics found many looters trying to loot the diesel while we were assessing the scene.” It has been reported that police intervened to stop the looters.

Four people were injured in the crash. Two occupants were found severely trapped in the wreckage.

“Two of the occupants were severely entrapped. The fire department used hydraulic rescue equipment, including the jaws of life, to cut the men free,” the spokesperson said.

“Once freed, all patients were transported to local government hospitals for further care.”

The M7 towards the Bluff was closed at the M2 to allow for the cleanup of the diesel spill and the recovery of the trucks. Motorists were unable to access the M7 from the M2 North on-ramp. Authorities confirmed that the events leading up to the collision remain under investigation.

The tanker crash followed a series of truck incidents around Durban.

Earlier this month, on February 17, a fully loaded truck lost control on the Pinetown-bound carriageway at the Hans Dettman off-ramp and overturned down an embankment.

ALS paramedics said the driver, who was the sole occupant, was found severely entrapped inside the wreckage.

A day earlier, three trucks were involved in a rear-end collision on the N3 Pietermaritzburg bound near Lion Park before Ashburton.

Emergency responders on scene said the roadway had to be closed while crews dealt with the incident.

One driver was entrapped and had to be freed while under the care of paramedics inside the cabin. Two other patients sustained moderate injuries and were treated on scene.

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY