Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma extended his condolences on Friday to the families of the 24 people who were killed in a bus accident in the Western Cape.
“We are in absolute deep shock at this loss of human life on our roads. We also wish a speedy recovery to all those injured,” he said in a statement.
“Government agencies are already assisting the families in this dark hour. We express our heartfelt condolences on behalf of government and the entire nation. May their souls rest in peace,” Zuma said.
Various political parties and government also expressed their condolences to the friends and families of the victims.
The passenger bus from Gauteng lost control on the N1 in the Hexriver Pass, De Doorns, and overturned down an embankment killing 24 passengers and leaving scores of other passengers sustaining serious injuries.
On Friday night Transport Minister Ben Martins called for a speedy conclusion to the investigation into the accident.
In a statement Martins said he was saddened by the accident and unnecessary loss of life.
“We repeat our call to motorists and all road users to be vigilant on the roads at all times. Our heartfelt and sincere condolences go to the families of the deceased and we wish all those who are injured a speedy recovery.”
The Democratic Alliance leader in the province Ivan Meyer expressed the party's condolences and sympathy and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“Our hearts and prayers are with them,” he said in a statement.
“If it is determined, however, that the accident could have been avoided in any way, I will endeavour to ensure that the proper action gets taken.”
Meanwhile, a major investigation had been launched into the cause of the accident, transport MEC Robin Carlise said.
“Early reports from the surviving passengers indicated brake failure as the main reason for the crash,” he said in a statement.
“The Provincial Regulatory Entity will investigate the legal status of the bus including the validity of the operating licence, and whether the Certificate of Fitness is still valid.”
He said the bus was registered in the Western Cape and was owned by Atlantic City Liners.
Earlier, government also sent its condolences to the families and friends of the 24 people killed in the 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 Inkatha Freedom Party 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.”
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.
ER24 spokeswoman Vanessa Jackson said 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.
Carlisle said emergency services were on the scene. The injured were moved to various hospitals and clinics around the province depending on the seriousness of their injuries. - Sapa