NATIONAL NEWS - KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, has expressed his condolences to the families of ten passengers, who lost their lives in an accident involving a truck and a passenger bus on the R34 Matatani Road, between Vryheid and Ulundi.
The crash, which occurred shortly after midnight on Monday, was reportedly transporting supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) who were returning from Umlazi, south of Durban, following a political event.
Initial reports indicated that 12 people had died in the crash. However, following an official investigation, the provincial Transport Department confirmed that the death toll has been revised to 10, including seven men and three women.
Duma, who visited the scene on Tuesday, confirmed that the crash occurred when a truck struck the side of the bus after an initial head-on collision.
“Based on the report from the RTI [Road Traffic Inspectorate], after the head-on collision, the truck struck the side of the bus. Sadly, the sideswipe resulted in 10 passengers dying and they are being taken to Vryheid Mortuary,” Duma said.
In addition to the fatalities, ten passengers sustained serious injuries and were transported to various nearby hospitals. A further 22 passengers suffered minor injuries, while six escaped unharmed.
Both the truck and bus drivers survived the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Duma said 33 passengers were able to walk after the accident, with three sustaining moderate injuries and two reported to be in a critical condition.
The MEC confirmed that the Department of Transport will collaborate with the Road Traffic Management Corporation and the South African Police Service in a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash. – SAnews.gov.za
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