CAPE TOWN – A flat tyre may have caused the horror crash that claimed the lives of 11 people and left 13 others injured when a bus allegedly hit a taxi on the N1 between Leeu Gamka and Beaufort West early on Friday, according to traffic officials.
Police spokesperson Christopher Spies said: “An investigation revealed that both vehicles were en route to the Cape Metropole at the time of the accident. The cause of the accident forms part of an ongoing police probe,” said Spies.
Transport and Public Works MEC Daylin Mitchell said: “Indications are that the minibus had a flat tyre and that the bus then drove into the minibus,” Mitchell said.
“My sincere condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the crash and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
“Other fatalities thus far include three pedestrians, two passengers, and a driver.
“It is disheartening that despite the hard work our officers and road safety management teams are doing, we (had) to start what should be a time of peace and reflection in such a way,” he said.
Mitchell reminded road users that driving in the emergency lane was prohibited between dusk and dawn as well as in instances where visibility is less than 150m such as in inclement weather.
Cape Times