Johannesburg - The bus involved in a fatal crash on Monday morning near Bloemfontein in which six people were killed and 51 others injured has been named as belonging to Interstate Bus Lines.
Initial reports suggested that the bus rammed into a stationary truck. The side of the bus was ripped off in the collision.
"Interstate bus Lines confirms the unfortunate incident that took place today 03 July 2017 at 06h00 wherein one of our buses was involved in an accident at the N8 road," the bus company said in a statement.
Interstate Bus Lines Public Relations Officer Thando Lepele said the 114-seater bus only had 89 passengers on board at the time of the accident. The bus was travelling from Botshabelo Section - W on it’s way to Bloemfontein – Central Park,
"It appears that the bus driver collided the stationary truck, our expect accident team was on site to determine the facts of the accident pending investigation," said Lepele.
"Currently we can confirm six passengers who died at the scene and 51 injured passengers who sustained minor and major injuries, most of them were rushed to Pelonomi Hospital and some to Botshabelo and National Hospital.
"The rest of the passengers that were not injured were safely transported to their destination, after being assessed by paramedics.
Lepele said the company will assist families of the deceased through "the insurance cover (Road Cover)" and injured passengers will be assisted through the Road Accident Fund.
In the statement Interstate Bus Lines sent condolence messages also apologised to commuters and other road users for the fatal accident.