Mbombela (Nelspruit) – At least seven people have died and 52 others were injured in a horror bus crash on Friday.
The bus was travelling along the R37 when it inexplicably careered across the Long Tom Pass and dropped down the cliff side.
First responders from Emer-G-Med paramedics and Netcare911 arrived soon after the crash and established an on-scene triage area at about 16:50.
Specialist rescue personnel descended to the wreckage and the injured were brought back up to the roadside.
“Three people were found to be in a critical condition and were airlifted by the Netcare911 aeromedical helicopter to specialist facilities for further care,” Emer-G-Med said.
The final count of fatalities was later established after the bus was hauled back to the roadway.
“Seven people sustained fatal injuries and were declared dead on the scene,” Emer-G-Med said.
“A total of 52 commuters were left with injuries ranging from minor to critical.
The bus driver was among the 52 injured who were taken to a nearby hospital.
“The cause of the collision is unknown and will form the subject of a South African Police Services investigation.”
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Vusi Shongwe has conveyed his condolences to bereaved families and wished the injured speedy recoveries.
“We continue to make a clarion call to motorists to be extremely vigilant amid rising traffic volumes,” Shongwe said.
“They should be patient and plan their trips accordingly.”
“We are concerned about the number of fatalities that the province has recorded so far from the crashes since last week.”
The suspects will appear in the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
