GEORGE NEWS - Two officials from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in George sustained serious injuries when the bakkie they were transporting an inmate in, rolled on the N2 near the Glentana bridge on Monday morning, 21 October.
They were on their way from George to Riversdale for the inmate to attend court proceedings when the vehicle allegedly hit a puddle of water and aquaplaned, causing the driver to lose control.
According to unconfirmed information, the vehicle rolled a couple of times before it came to a halt on the opposite side of the highway (Mossel Bay to George).
One of the officials was allegedly flung from the vehicle as it rolled. He sustained serious fractures to his pelvis and other bones.
The other official had to be removed from the vehicle with the jaws of life. He sustained severe back and neck injuries.
Their exact injuries could not be confirmed, but both are in serious condition recovering in the Mediclinic George, while the prisoner, who was also injured, was taken to George Provincial Hospital. He has since been discharged.
DCS spokesperson Candice van Reenen confirmed the accident.
"The two officials and the inmate were transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention. The inmate has since returned to the correctional centre following a period of observation," she said.
She said DCS will institute an internal investigation into the cause of the accident and also provide the necessary counselling and support to those involved.
The vehicle rolled across the island in the middle of the highway and came to a halt on the opposite side of the road.
The scene on Monday morning.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
