A major bus accident on the N1 highway, approximately 20 kilometres from Bloemfontein, left at least 30 people injured.
N1 Bloemfontein bus accident: Here’s all you need to know
The incident occurred early Tuesday morning and prompted a swift response from emergency services, including VRMED, FSEMS College, Mangaung Fire and Rescue, and other agencies.
Authorities arrived at the scene shortly after 01:20 to find an overturned bus that had collided with a stationary truck.
FSEMS College took charge of the situation, establishing a scene command and initiating the triage of the bus occupants. Out of the 59 individuals on board, it was determined that 32 had sustained injuries of varying degrees, ranging from minor to serious.
Tragically, one passenger was trapped beneath the overturned bus and succumbed to their injuries. Both drivers involved in the collision suffered minor injuries.
The injured passengers were swiftly transported to multiple hospitals in and around Bloemfontein. The rescue operation required specialized equipment from Mangaung Fire and Rescue, as well as towing services, to extricate the deceased from beneath the bus.
At present, the exact cause of the collision remains under investigation by the police.
Meanwhile, MEC MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae arrived at the scene of the accident on the N1 North outside Bloemfontein to assess the situation firsthand. The collision involved a bus and a truck, with the initial assessment indicating that the bus rear-ended the truck, causing both vehicles to lose control and overturn.
Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported thus far. MEC Letsoha-Mathae interacted with some of the passengers and emergency service personnel present at the scene, gathering information and providing support.
The incident on the N1 Bloemfontein serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with road travel.
As investigations continue into the exact circumstances surrounding the collision, it is crucial for authorities and the public to remain vigilant and prioritize road safety measures.
Efforts to improve road infrastructure, driver education, and stricter enforcement of regulations are pivotal in reducing the frequency and severity of such accidents.
Further updates regarding the investigation, the condition of the injured individuals, and any additional measures taken in response to the incident will be provided as information becomes available.