Human error has been highlighted in the tragic accident in which eight people died after an Interstate Bus Line bus and a truck were involved in a head-on collision on the N8 road near Botshabelo yesterday morning.
The conditions of the road are still deemed very good, despite heavy rainfall during the past few days.
According to preliminary findings, the accident occurred after the truck driver attempted to overtake another vehicle when it was unsafe to do so.
“It is alleged that when the truck driver noticed an oncoming vehicle, he attempted to avoid a head-on collision. He allegedly swayed the truck toward the left lane, thereby crashing into the front right of the bus, resulting into this horrendous accident,” said Hillary Mophethe, spokesperson of the provincial Department of Police, Roads and Transport.
The truck involved has been identified to belong to Sedaka Logistics.
Mophethe has confirmed the death toll has since risen to eight after one of the two victims admitted in critical conditions to the Pelonomi Trauma Hospital, succumbed to injuries. The person died hours later after being admitted.
The other two persons in critical condition are still at the Rosepark Hospital and Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein. Those who survived with minor injuries were admitted to hospitals in Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu.
Of the eight deceased people, six have been confirmed as women. They were among the 62 passengers on board the 80 seater bus which was transporting workers from Zone 5 in Thaba Nchu to Bloemfontein.
They commute daily to work in the Free State capital.
George Mokgothu, chief executive officer of the bus company, said the management will visit the families of the deceased passengers today to get some insight of their situations.
Sinah Mpakane, provincial spokesperson, said the Botshabelo police have opened a docket for investigation for culpable homicide, and the circumstance surrounding the fatal crash that claimed eight lives.
