A tragic ANC bus crash has resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.
Driver behind ANC bus crash fell asleep at the wheel
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The driver, transporting ANC supporters back to Mpumalanga from a Durban manifesto launch, reportedly fell asleep, leading to the devastating accident.
Police Minister Bheki Cele disclosed that some passengers had urged the driver to continue the journey despite his admissions of fatigue.
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This pressure to proceed, despite clear signs of the driver’s tiredness, culminated in the tragic accident. Minister Cele also noted that preliminary investigations have found no evidence of the bus being unroadworthy.
Paramedics recount the horror at the accident scene
At the scene, emergency services were met with chaos and distress among the survivors.
Craig Botha, a spokesperson for KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service, detailed the scene where paramedics found patients in a state of hysteria.
The severity of injuries varied, with four individuals critically injured, 22 sustaining serious injuries, and 28 others with minor injuries.
The death toll, unfortunately, has risen to nine, with the potential for further increases as the situation develops.
What’s the latest in the investigation?
The investigation into the cause of the crash is actively underway. Sipho Hlomuka, the Transport MEC, expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives following the successful ANC manifesto launch.
He stated that the investigation is broad, examining various factors including the road’s condition, the weather at the time of the accident, and the bus’s and driver’s conditions.
Authorities are in communication with the bus owner to gather more information as part of their comprehensive investigation efforts.
The ANC has expressed deep shock and sadness over the incident. Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, the national spokesperson, lamented the loss in a statement:
“The investigation has already started, and we are already in touch with the bus owner. Our investigation is looking at the condition of the road, condition of the bus, weather during the times of the accident and the condition of the driver,” Hlomuka said
