An ambushed cash-in-transit vehicle on the side of the N2 southbound carriageway in Durban. the incident left two security guards seriously injured and caused major traffic blockages in the surrounding areas.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Media
Motorists and commuters travelling from Durban South were forced to duck for cover and make quick U-turns when shots were fired during a cash-in-transit robbery along the N2 southbound carriageway near the NPC cement factory on Wednesday morning.
The ensuing chaos added to the frustration of motorists travelling on the N2 and in neighbouring areas including the Bluff, Queensburgh and Chatsworth, as long traffic queues built up during peak hour.
According to reports, robbers ambushed a Fidelity ADT vehicle and brought it to a halt on the busy stretch of road at about 5.30am. Eyewitnesses posted accounts on social media describing multiple explosions and gunfire at the scene.
ALS Paramedics, among the first responders, reported that two security officials sustained multiple gunshot wounds. In a statement, the service said one guard suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment by a Netcare 911 helicopter.
The second security official sustained serious injuries and was stabilised at the scene by Advanced Life Support paramedics before being transported to a nearby hospital for further care.
The N2 was closed from the M7 Edwin Swales off-ramp and was expected to remain shut for some time while police conducted investigations, effectively making the area a no-go zone, as it was regarded as "still highly volatile and active".
Multiple specialised teams have been on duty, combing the area, which required motorists to make use of alternative travel routes.
This is a developing story.
DAILY NEWS
The cash-in-transit vehicle, travelling on the N2 southbound carriageway in Durban, that was set-upon by robbers on Wednesday morning.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Media