eMKHONDO, Mpumalanga – Five people lost their lives and dozens were injured in a serious bus accident on the R33, between eMkhondo and Amsterdam, on Monday afternoon, 1 December.
The fatal crash occurred when the driver of the bus reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn. Emergency services rushed to the scene to assist the victims.
According to the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, six passengers sustained serious injuries, while 20 others, including the driver, escaped with slight injuries. Various ambulance services on site did their utmost to stabilise patients before transporting them to a nearby hospital in Mkhondo for further medical treatment.
While the exact cause of the crash remained under official investigation, authorities suspect hazardous driving conditions played a significant role.
“It is suspected prevailing wet conditions may have played a hand in the crash,” the department stated.
Officials dismissed early reports suggesting the bus was overloaded, some claiming the bus was carrying more than 80 passengers. The department confirmed there were only 31 occupants, including the driver, at the time of the accident.
The bus had originally departed from Johannesburg with a passenger list of 65. However, the majority of commuters had disembarked at various stops along the route before the tragedy on the R33.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those hospitalised.
In light of the accident he issued a stern plea to motorists to adapt their driving behaviour to the current weather conditions.
“Every driver must prioritise their own safety and that of other road users. Let us save lives by being highly alert and obeying the rules. Long-distance drivers must rest sufficiently along the way.”
