In praise of unsung heroes of the Alberton horror accident: iLIVE

Earlier yesterday, I was en route to OR Tambo International Airport to embark on a flight to Cape Town. I had just passed through the tunnel leading from the R59 onto the N12 East in the Alberton area.

My thoughts of the day ahead were suddenly and violently interrupted by a deafening crash, followed immediately by a roar of grinding and tearing. As I shot my head to the right to ascertain the cause of this cacophony, my eyes were met with the most horrendous sight.

A large truck hurtling through the stationary vehicles at high speed, throwing vehicles and bodies left and right in its headlong path! As I watched, the truck came to metal rending halt; crushing two vehicles between itself and the guard rail about 80 metres ahead of me.

The devastation in the wake of the runaway truck was mind boggling. The highway was strewn with mangled wrecks, bodies and pieces of vehicles.

However, even before the truck had come to a standstill one brave lady had lept from her vehicle in an attempt to save the life of a man who had been thrown from the back of the bakkie on which he had been seated and was now being dragged along behind the slowing truck.

She continued unabated, urgently summoning the emergency services on her cell phone. By this time a number of women were seen to be moving amongst the many injured people, enquiring as to the state of injuries, offering solace and, those who had access to such things, drinks and rendering assistance where they could.

Soon the men took up the challenge and were also coming to the assistance of those in need. The police were the first of the officials on the scene arriving within impressively few minutes of being summoned. They were followed closely by many ambulances and paramedics, both Provincial and private.

These good souls worked quickly and efficiently to attend firstly to the more seriously injured and then to the less seriously injured men and women who had been unwilling participants in this appalling tragedy.

I wish to acknowledge all of those who so rapidly and selflessly came to the assistance of their fellow South African's in their time of need, particularly the women, many of whom were, themselves severely shaken by the accident.

I stand humbled by their swift selfless and salubrious efforts. We can be proud as a nation of these unsung heroes in our midst. I salute them all!