At least 16 people died in a bus crash on the N1 near Touws River in the Western Cape.
The bus – which had been travelling from Cape Town to Idutywa in the Eastern Cape – overturned in the early hours of Thursday morning.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), approximately 78 passengers were on board.
Twenty injured people were transported to the hospital.
According to RTMC, more than 40 people refused medical treatment.
Rescue operations continued on Thursday.
The crash prompted transport minister Barbara Creecy to order an investigation.
Creecy and deputy transport minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa expressed their condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the tragedy.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time and wish a speedy recovery to all those who were injured,” the ministry said.
The ministers have directed the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to support the families of the deceased and those injured in the crash.
Creecy and Hlengwa have also instructed the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to work with local authorities to investigate the cause of the accident.
The RTMC is expected to begin its investigation immediately, with a preliminary report anticipated within 48 hours.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Authorities said further details would be provided once investigations are underway.
- A bus traveling from Cape Town to Idutywa overturned near Touws River in the Western Cape just after midnight on Thursday.
- At least 16 people died in the crash.
- Approximately 78 passengers were on board at the time of the accident.
- Twenty injured passengers were taken to the hospital, while over 40 refused medical treatment.
- Rescue operations were ongoing throughout Thursday.
At least 16 people died in a bus crash on the N1 near Touws River in the Western Cape.
Twenty injured people were transported to the hospital.
Rescue operations continued on
Creecy and deputy transport minister
“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time and wish a speedy recovery to all those who were injured,” the ministry said.
Creecy and
