Eastern Cape police are investigating the circumstances leading to a horror bus crash on the R61, between Aberdeen and Beaufort West, that claimed the lives of three young netball players and an official.
Two teams had been en route to the Spar National Championships in Bellville which began yesterday.
The accident took place at around 4am on Sunday when the bus overturned.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said: “Members rushed to the scene and found a white and blue Marco Polo bus, lying across the road on its side, blocking both lanes.
“Many passengers were seriously injured and four were trapped under the vehicle.”
She said four of the victims were declared dead at the scene while the remaining 30 passengers were transported to various hospitals.
“A case of culpable homicide was opened. No arrest has been made at this stage.”
Netball South Africa CEO Blanche de la Guerra said a candlelight ceremony would be held in memory of the victims.
Meanwhile humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers sent a team to assist the victims.
Director Imtiaz Sooliman said they had been approached by Eastern Cape MEC of Sport, Arts and Culture, Fezeke Nkomonye.
Gift of the Givers arranged meals for some of the team who were moved to Graaff-Reinet.
Sooliman said the teenagers are in shock, confused, and highly traumatised.
“The parents are equally affected, breaking down on video call,” he said.
“Those with mild to moderate injuries have been discharged from Aberdeen Hospital, but neither taxi nor ambulance is available to reunite them with team members in Graaff-Reinet.
“Gift of the Givers teams are on their way from Graaff-Reinet to Aberdeen to fetch them with our vehicles. The players are desperately in need of trauma counselling, which is being arranged by us.”