Hijacker crashes ICU ambulance, then gets arrested

A man was arrested after hijacking an ICU ambulance along the N3 Lions River, KwZulu Natal on Monday.

Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Robertson told IOL that Midlands EMS crews were dispatched to the N3 Lions River following a motor vehicle collision.

On arrival to the scene, the medics found two occupants who had been involved in a collision.

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“Both occupants were assessed and found to have no injuries. Shortly after the patients had been assessed, one occupant jumped into our ambulance, and when confronted by the crews he pulled out a firearm, pointing it at the crew, who turned and dropped to the ground. The occupant then sped off northbound towards Nottingham Road,” Robertson was quoted by IOL.

HIJACKER CRASHES AMBULANCE WHILE TRYING TO FLEE

“A chase ensued with breakdowns and our other ambulance, which was later joined by RTI Mpofana traffic and SAPS.

“The suspect then collided with multiple vehicles on his spree to evade capture,” he added.

The armed suspect eventually came to a stop, about 2km past the Estcourt Ultra City, crashing the ambulance, said Robertson.

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“The suspect was arrested on the scene by RTI members from Estcourt who had been chasing him.”

Midlands EMS director Mark Winterboer said the incident was a blow for the community as the vehicle was used to transport those in need to emergency care.

“This is, unfortunately, one of a few intensive care units in the KwaZulu-Natal area, which means that this vehicle caters for both adults and paediatrics with an incubator and ventilators on board.”

In a separate incident that happened last month, an ambulance was hijacked and paramedics were attacked at a clinic in Mpumalanga.