Isando OR Tambo falling tree 2

Photo: ER24 / Twitter

Freak accident near OR Tambo: One dead, nine injured from falling tree

An unfortunate accident in Isando, just across from OR Tambo International Airport, has claimed a life and racked up a number of casualties.

Isando OR Tambo falling tree 2

Photo: ER24 / Twitter

Some tragic news has reached us from Isando in Gauteng: A taxi driver was killed by a falling tree during a morning commute on Wednesday. A total of nine other people in the vehicle are now receiving emergency treatment. The incident occurred on Wrench Road, near OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Falling tree near OR Tambo claims a life, numerous casualties

The horrifying accident has left two of the casualties in a critical state, and there is a daunting possibility of the death toll increasing here. It has not yet been established what circumstances lead to the tree falling when it did, but adverse weather conditions are believed to played a part in this.

  • Seven other men had sustained minor to moderate injuries.
  • After approximately two hours, the victims were freed from their vehicle.
  • Paramedics treated the patients and provided the two who were critically injured with advanced life support.
  • After treatment, the patients were transported to various hospitals near OR Tambo for further care. Local authorities are investigating the scene.

Isando ‘freak accident’ – latest news and updates

First responders on the scene – sent by ER24 – were able to close the road off shortly after their arrival. They had to use cutting equipment to help free the trapped passengers. They confirmed the deceased had passed away before they could do anything to intervene:

“ER24 paramedics, along with other services, arrived on the scene shortly after 6:00 to find the minibus in the middle of the road, crushed by a large tree in Isando – near OR Tambo. Local authorities began to close off the road while emergency service inspected the situation.

“Three men were found lying trapped inside the front of the vehicle while seven others were found either standing or seated near the vehicle. Medics assessed the patients and found that the entrapped driver had sustained numerous injuries and showed no signs of life. Unfortunately, nothing more could be done by paramedics.”

ER24