Two traffic officers killed as car crashes into police roadblock
Two Johannesburg metro police officers were killed on Monday night when a suspected drunk driver slammed into the roadblock they were operating.
While details of the accident are still emerging, a paramedic on scene told TimesLIVE that the officers had set up a roadblock on the corner of Cambridge and Witkoppen roads, in Sandton on Monday night.
While the operation was underway, a vehicle ploughed through the blockade and slammed into three cars. Two officers died and six other people were injured.
The road was closed in both directions due to the accident.
#ATT #AVOID JMPD were hosting a night roadblock on Witkoppen Road in Paulshof area, when a drunk driver came through, crashing into multiple vehicles and killing 2 officers. Road closed in both directions. #FatalWitkoppenRoadblock
— PigSpotter™ Pty Ltd (@PigSpotter) January 29, 2018
"A BMW, a Porsche and a Toyota Corolla were waiting for inspection at the roadblock when a white Hilux bakkie, travelling at a [high] speed, slammed into the three vehicles and the two JMPD officers, killing the officers instantly," the paramedic said.
"The injured have been transported to hospital by various [emergency] services. Their injuries range from critical to mild,” he added.
The driver of the Hilux was reportedly taken into custody on suspicion of drunk driving.