Minister saddened by fatal Mpuma bus crash

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters. File picture: Oupa Mokoena

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters. File picture: Oupa Mokoena

Published Jun 5, 2014

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Johannesburg - Transport Minister Dipuo Peters on Thursday sent condolences to the families of the people who were killed and injured in a horror bus crash on the R40 near White River in Mpumalanga.

“This is deeply shocking and saddening and our condolences go to the families bereaved. My fervent wish is for those injured to recover speedily,” she said in a statement.

“I call on all South Africans to spare a thought for all affected, the law enforcement officers and emergency rescue services who are all out to do their best under the circumstances.”

Peters said the Road Traffic Management Corporation had dispatched a national team of investigators to join the investigation by the police.

According preliminary reports, 10 people were killed, six people were seriously injured and 34 slightly injured, she said.

It was reported that the truck driver lost control of his vehicle and partially collided head-on with the bus and then a Toyota RAV 4 collided into the wreckage.

All vehicles were burnt almost beyond recognition.

“The national department of transport will work closely with the provincial department and make sure that the provincial capacity is not found wanting in this situation,” she said.

On Wednesday, a Sapa correspondent reported that 10 people were killed and four others injured.

Ten people burnt to death when the bus caught fire.

The R40 road was closed in both directions and traffic was being directed via the Numbi Gate road. - Sapa

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