At least 14 people were injured in Pretoria on Monday when a runaway truck went through two red robots, crashed into eight vehicles and slammed into a motor dealership, police said.

Spokesperson Captain Louise Reed said it was suspected that the brakes on the truck, travelling along Potgieter Road, failed around 1pm.

"The truck hit eight cars on the road. Three people from different cars had to be removed with the Jaws of Life."

Paramedics said four people were in a critical condition and 10 others sustained minor injuries.

It was not known if the truck driver was among the injured. Several cars inside the dealership were damaged.

A case of reckless or negligent driving was being investigated.