A BUS accident in Transkei has claimed the life of a woman and left more than 20 passengers in hospital after it overturned early yesterday morning.
The bus was on its way from Johannesburg to Mthatha when it overturned, reportedly after the driver tried to avoid hitting a dog.
Eastern Cape Arrive Alive spokesman Tshepo Machaea said the woman, whose identity and age he could not confirm at the time of going to print, died on the scene.
About 23 people were taken to the Mount Ayliff hospital after they suffered injuries and one was later transferred to the Nelson Mandela Academic hospital in a serious condition.
Owners of City to City, Autopax Passenger Services (SOC) Ltd, confirmed in a statement the accident had happened on the N2 between Mount Ayliff and Kokstad. The bus was carrying 21 passengers and two drivers.
“One passenger died on the scene and 22 people including two drivers are currently receiving treatment at Mount Ayliff Hospital,” said Tu Dlamini, the company’s marketing manager in a statement released later yesterday.
“At this stage, a preliminary investigation is underway, and this will immediately be followed by an independent forensic investigation to determine the root cause of the accident,” she said.
The statement also quoted the company’s acting CEO Justin Mnkandla who sent condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“The events of this morning are most unfortunate as the loss of one life is one life too many and on behalf of Autopax I would like to relay our most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” he was quoted as saying.
“I would also like to wish all those injured a speedy recovery.”
Machaea said it was suspected there was only one driver who drove the bus from Johannesburg.
He also sent condolences to the family of the deceased.
“It’s important drivers apply the rules of the road ,” he said . — aphiwed@dispatch.co.za
Gordon Leo
January 29, 2013
A driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle’s occupants first and foremost. Stray animals are a natural hazard.
People can do something to drive at a speed appropriate to the forward visibility and always maintain control. People must pre-brief themselves not to swerve if an animal suddenly darts out. Some animals will do quite a bit of damage to your vehicle but nothing compared to a rollover.
@cowscorner
January 29, 2013
That’s a bit harsh Gordon. It’s a natural instinct to swerve if you’re going to hit something.
Obviously speeding is a different matter.