De Doorns bus crash ‘unfortunate’

Independent Newspapers

File photo: Sizwe Ndingane

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Cape Town - Government sent its condolences on Friday to the families and friends of the 24 people killed in a Western Cape bus crash.

“This is an unfortunate incident. Drivers are urged to be vigilant on the road and obey all traffic laws,” said acting government spokeswoman Phumla Williams.

The speedy intervention of emergency teams was commended.

Western Cape traffic chief Kenny Africa said the bus was on its way to Cape Town on Friday morning, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and it veered off the N1 on the Hex River Pass, near De Doorns.

According to ER24 spokeswoman Vanessa Jackson, the double-decker bus was crushed up against the side of the mountain along the pass.

Provincial health department spokeswoman Faiza Steyn said two of the 24 who died were children.

Eight people were critically injured, three of them children; 14 were seriously injured; and 44 others sustained minor to moderate injuries.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) also sent its condolences to the families of those who had died.

“This is a terrible tragedy. We urge people to be extra cautious when it is raining and to follow all the rules of the road,” IFP spokesman Petros Sithole said.

“The traffic cops and police should investigate whether the bus was overloaded and if so, we would expect the necessary criminal charges to be laid against the bus driver.” - Sapa