Johannesburg – The death toll in the multi-vehicle crash in Alberton has risen to four, the department of transport said on Tuesday.

“Two people were certified dead on the scene and now we have just received a report that two more died in hospital,” said spokesman Tiyani Rikhotso.

Earlier,a petrol tanker went out of control and crashed into over forty other vehicles.

Netcare 911 spokeswoman Santi Steinmann said around 45 cars and two trucks were involved in the crash which occurred on N12 East near Voortrekker Road.

ER24 spokesman Russel Meiring said paramedics found multiple vehicles and car parts spread across the road.

Paramedics began their assessment and found two people had been killed and dozens had been injured, some of them critically.

“Paramedics immediately began their treatment of the patients, providing them with advanced life support,” he said.

“Extra resources were called in by the emergency services to help treat the injured on scene.”

One critically injured patient was airlifted to Chris Hani Barawanath.

“The remaining patients were treated for their injuries and transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment,” Meiring said.

“The driver of the petrol tanker told paramedics that his brakes had apparently failed, causing him to collide with… multiple vehicles.”

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters said the driver had been arrested.

“The driver has been arrested and the preliminary report indicates that the accident was caused by brake failure of the truck,” Peters said.

Sapa