A truck transporting energy drinks overturned beneath the N2 bridge in Chesterville on Thursday morning after colliding with a car, prompting the alleged looting of its cargo by dozens of people while emergency crews responded to the scene.
According to ALS Paramedics, the crash occurred on Booth Road when the truck collided with a car before overturning.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said emergency crews arrived to find a large crowd allegedly removing goods from the overturned truck.
Jamieson said paramedics were instructed to focus on locating and treating the occupants of the two vehicles before moving them to safety, as the situation at the scene posed a risk to both victims and emergency personnel.
He said Metro Police requested additional officers after those already on scene were outnumbered by members of the crowd.
The truck driver and the driver of the car involved in the collision both sustained minor injuries and were treated by paramedics.
Jamieson said the truck driver was also robbed of his cellphone during the incident.
He described the situation as deeply concerning, saying accident victims are often vulnerable and disoriented, believing those approaching them are there to assist, only to discover they are being robbed instead.
Motorists were urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes while emergency services dealt with the aftermath of the crash.
Police later regained control of the scene. SAPS and Metro Police remained on site as recovery teams worked to remove the overturned truck. By the time officers dispersed the crowd, almost the truck's entire load of energy drinks had allegedly been looted.