Lucky escape for 8 as chopper crashes
THE South African Air Force (SAAF), helicopter which crash-landed on the N1 on the Worcester side of Du Toitskloof Pass was en-route from the air force base at Langebaanweg to Ysterplaat. The Oryx helicopter apparently flew into power cables and crash-landed.
ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said paramedics assessed eight people who were injured.
“One had sustained serious injuries while seven others had sustained minor to moderate injuries. Paramedics treated the patients and provided the seriously injured with advanced life support interventions before they were transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations,” Meiring said.
Spokesperson for the SAAF Siphiwe Dlamini said: “The helicopter was en-route from the air force base at Langebaanweg to Ysterplaat when the forced landing was made. The helicopter was taking part in a three-day expo at Langebaanweg, organised by the Department of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Western Cape government to celebrate International Civil Aviation Day.”
Provincial traffic chief Kenny Africa advised motorists to take alternative routes. “We will be closing the Du Toitskloof Pass due to a helicopter that crashed on the Worcester side of Du Toitskloof Pass. Alternative routes from Worcester to Cape Town are via Villiersdorp, Grabouw or Wolseley, Tulbagh and Wellington. The road is blocked towards Paarl,” Africa said late yesterday.