Collision involving bus and truck claims lives of over 20 workers

A head-on collision between a bus and a truck on the R572 Road in Limpopo on Sunday left at least 20 people dead.

The bus, which is understood to have been travelling from Musina, was transporting workers to the Venetia Diamond Mine near Alldays.


The mining company later confirmed that the deceased had been working for the mine for more than 10 years.

Ed Jardim, spokesperson for the company, said: “We offer our condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives, injured and in any way impacted by this tragic accident.

“Our focus now is on providing the necessary support to our employees and their families during this very difficult time.

“The incident is currently under investigation and further details will be provided at a later stage.”

Limpopo transport and community safety MEC Florence Radzilani said further updates would be provided once the police have concluded an investigation.

A video that has gone viral on social media shows the bus on fire and several bodies can be seen laying on the grass alongside the road.

Among the bodies, there is a burning tyre, just a few metres away from the bus. 

Radzilani is expected to visit the area on Monday to “ascertain facts around the accident” and visit the survivors who were admitted to the hospital.

She will be joined by Musina local municipality mayor Godfrey Mawela and senior management of the mining company.

Earlier in August, five people were killed in a collision between a truck and a sedan on the N1 in Polokwane, Limpopo. The deceased were occupants of the sedan.

At the time, Limpopo transport spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene confirmed that five people were killed in a motor vehicle accident that happened late on August 4.

The accident happened between the Mall of the North and the Tzaneen bypass.

“This happened when a Volvo truck collided head-on with a Toyota sedan killing five occupants of the Toyota sedan,” Chuene said at the time.

“Reckless driving is suspected to be a possible cause of the accident. As a department, we are saddened by the incident and send our condolences to the bereaved families.”

 

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