Two men were murdered and two others were wounded on Wednesday morning in a clash between two trucks and three cars on the N17 between Bethal and Ermelo.

The spokesperson, Russel Meiring reported that the two trucks were strikingly destroyed in the collision.

 He attested that, "On closer inspection, paramedics found the body of a man lying trapped in one of the light motor vehicles. Unfortunately, the man had already succumbed to his injuries. Nothing could be done for him and he was declared dead.

"A driver of one of the trucks, a man, was found lying trapped inside the cab of his vehicle. Ermelo Fire Services had to use the Jaws of Life to free the man from the wreckage. Once freed, the man was treated and provided with advanced life support interventions.

“After some time, though, the man's vital signs rapidly diminished.

"CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and further advanced life-support interventions were initiated in an effort to revive the patient. Unfortunately, the man succumbed to his injuries."

Two other patients, both with minor wounds were treated and moved to proximal hospitals for further care.