30/07/2026
Two Major Incidents. Five Days Apart.
The past week has been one of the busiest and most challenging periods in Rapid Emergency Medical Service (REMS)' history, with our crews responding to two major mass casualty incidents only days apart.
🗓️ Friday, 24 July 2026 – Mass Casualty Bus Rollover
At approximately 06:30, REMS received multiple emergency calls reporting that a passenger bus carrying approximately 105 occupants had lost control and overturned.
Our first Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance arrived within minutes and immediately established scene command, commenced patient triage and initiated lifesaving treatment under extremely challenging conditions.
As additional resources arrived, including a second REMS ALS ambulance and numerous emergency services, patients were rapidly assessed, treated and transported according to the severity of their injuries.
Despite the best efforts of all emergency personnel, one person sadly succumbed to their injuries and was declared deceased at the scene.
🗓️ Wednesday, 29 July 2026 – Major Multi-Vehicle Collision, N2 Gamtoos
Only five days later, REMS was again dispatched to a major incident after receiving several emergency calls reporting a devastating collision on the N2 near Gamtoos involving:
• An interlink truck
• Two Cash-in-Transit vehicles
• One SUV
Two REMS Advanced Life Support ambulances responded immediately. Working alongside our emergency service partners, our paramedics treated multiple patients and transported five injured patients to nearby hospitals for further medical care.
Sadly, one person sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.
We also wish every injured patient a full and speedy recovery.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of emergency medicine and the importance of coordinated teamwork.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Eastern Cape EMS, Metro EMS, Fire & Rescue, SAPS, Traffic Services, rescue teams, towing and recovery operators, hospital staff, emergency communications personnel, and every volunteer and agency who worked tirelessly alongside us.
Finally, we are incredibly proud of our REMS paramedics, who once again demonstrated professionalism, compassion and unwavering dedication while caring for our community under some of the most demanding circumstances imaginable.
Rapid Emergency Medical Service (REMS) When life depends on it.
To the public: Please remember that every time you slow down, wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, and drive responsibly, you help protect not only yourself and your loved ones, but also the emergency personnel who respond when tragedy strikes. Together, we can help make our roads safer.
JBay Online News ArriveAlive.co.za Paramedics, SAPS and Firefighters South Africa
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