Durban - A truck driver stole an ambulance and crashed it into a restaurant after causing a fatal accident on the M7 near Sarnia in Durban late on Saturday night.
Rescuecare spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said a heavy goods truck had ploughed through an accident scene shortly after 21:00.
He said paramedics were attending to a separate accident when the truck ploughed into some stationary cars.
“The truck left the roadway and came to rest down the embankment. Paramedics ran to the scene and found a critically injured tow truck operator down the embankment. Despite the efforts of the medics, the tow trucker had suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead,” he added.
“While paramedics were attending to the patient, the truck driver stole the ambulance that was parked at the roadside. Bystanders followed the man in the ambulance until it was involved in a high impact collision at the corner of Umbilo Road and Deodar Avenue. The suspect was then arrested by SAPS and the second driver was treated for his injuries,” he said.
The ambulance came to rest in a popular curry restaurant, Goundens.
“We would like to send our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the man who lost his life whilst trying to assist others. In regards to the theft of the ambulance, we will be leaving all investigations up to the SAPS and assist them in whatever way they need to ensure the law takes its course,” Jamieson added.