The scene of the horror crash.

Gunshots and explosions awoke residents of the Slovo Park Informal Settlement alongside the N12 Highway on Wednesday, March 12.

Up - Figure 1
Photo Rising Sun Overport

While motorists thought the never-ending traffic queues in both directions would be cleared up and on the move, an eight-vehicle pile-up claimed the lives of two motorists and left others injured the same afternoon, bringing traffic to a total standstill.

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The collision involving eight vehicles occurred on the N12 headed towards the Viking off-ramp. The accident was caused by a truck’s brakes failing, causing it to lose control. Xolani Fihla, superintendent and JMPD spokesperson, reported two deaths and two injuries.

On the same day, a cash-in-transit robbery occurred on the N12W travelling towards Lenasia between the Pedestrian Bridge and the Samfur/ Nancefield Bridge. The CIT was not successful- one person was injured. The attempt involved approximately eight criminals- four of whom began shooting at the CIT vehicle from the top of the pedestrian overpass.

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A Mercedes Benz C63 drove into the CIT vehicle from behind, causing it to lose control and overturn onto the middle island of the road.

The Mercedes drove onto the embankment before crashing down and bursting into flames. JML HI CARE, JMPD, SAPS, and other emergency services responded rapidly to the scene. A rescue truck arrived later that day to tow the CIT truck.