Thirty-four injured drivers and passengers were taken to hospital for emergency treatment after a massive pile-up involving about 30 vehicles on the N12 freeway in Ekurhuleni on Tuesday.

There were chaotic scenes earlier in the day as damaged cars and trucks littered the freeway near the Putfontein off-ramp.

There were conflicting reports about whether one person was killed. Netcare 911 spokesman Chris Botha said one person was killed but Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesman William Ntladi said one person was in a critical condition.

“We arrived to find that multiple vehicles had collided on the road …. It is quite a horrific scene‚ especially at the start of Human Rights’ Day‚” said Botha.

One killed‚ dozens injured in Ekurhuleni freeway pile-up. Picture Credit: Supplied 

Botha said that up to 60 people were involved in the crash‚ adding that not all those who sustained injuries may have gone immediately to hospital.

“With big accident scenes like this it’s hard to tell the exact numbers because there are various ambulances and personnel on scene‚” said Botha.

Ntladi said about 30 vehicles were involved in the crash‚ including seven heavy duty trucks.

“We are clearing up the scene and quite a few vehicles have been towed off the freeway‚” said Ntladi.