Durban – The 12 people who lost their lives in the midnight bus and truck collision along the R34 have been identified as members of the Economic Freedom Fighters who were returning from a Youth Day rally.
Ten of the dead perished on the scene and two others succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.
The unfolding horror took a shocking turn for the worse on Tuesday when KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma revealed that: “We have been informed that dismembered body parts of some victims are still missing”.
MEC Duma added: “Some victims were taken to local hospitals and we are making all efforts to reach out to family members.”
He said there was an inspection of the scene of the accident that was taking place.
“Once again, we wish to express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” said MEC Duma.
“To ensure free traffic flow, the RTI team has opened one lane.
“The bus has been taken to the Vryheid RTI Offices. The truck is still at the scene of the accident and plans are underway to remove it.”
EFF Spokesperson Sinawo Thambo has confirmed to the SABC that the bus that was involved in a fatal crash on the R34 was transporting the party’s supporters back to Vryheid after a Youth Day rally in Durban.
Thambo said the EFF will be assisting families to identify their loved ones.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes, the EFF expressed “its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who have lost their lives”.
The statement added: “These Fighters lost their lives following a show of support for the revolution they belonged to and they must be remembered as heroes to whom we owe a great debt.
”These were committed Fighters, who had attended the rally to honour the courage of the youth of 1976 and to continue the struggle for economic freedom.
“They died in the line of duty, and their lives will never be forgotten.”
Many more have been injured and are receiving medical attention.
As many as 32 passengers were injured in the crash, with two succumbing to their injuries in hospital.
“The process of identifying the deceased is ongoing, and we are working with relevant authorities to ensure families are informed and supported,” the EFF said.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and pray for healing to those injured.
“We will continue to honour the memory of the fallen with action and commitment to the struggle they believed in.
“May their souls rest in revolutionary peace.”
