Accident injured number put at 17

Makkah Civil Defense yesterday put the figure of those injured in a horrific accident involving a truck that overturned on the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway at 17. Thursday's accident killed at least four people. Two of the injured were in critical condition yesterday.
The accident happened close to the Gateway to Makkah at 5.08 p.m. after a Jeddah-bound trailer truck carrying containers flipped onto a number of cars behind, spokesman for Makkah Civil Defense Col. Ali Al-Montasheri told Arab News. Two cars with four passengers were crushed under the truck, he said. The trapped men were taken out with the help of rescue equipment brought along by the Civil Defense.
While the four bodies and five injured victims were airlifted to King Abdul Aziz Hospital in Mahjar in south Jeddah, other injured victims were taken to different hospitals in Makkah.
While an official investigation is under way, a highway policeman told Arab News that the accident occurred when the driver of the truck lost control of his vehicle, flipped over and collided with cars in its path.
Two air ambulances also participated in the rescue operations.
An official from the Civil Defense said 10 rescue and rapid intervention teams and members of the Red Crescent also participated in the operations.
One injured man was discharged after first aid from King Abdul Aziz Hospital in Zahir.
Meanwhile, motorists trapped on the crowded highway that was closed for three hours under the scorching summer sun after the accident said it was an ordeal to wait for so long, especially as their families were with them.
There was increased traffic on the highway because of Umrah pilgrims from Jeddah returning home at the weekend.