In a horrific start to the new month, eight people including six children were killed on the N1 outside Worcester in the Boland after the long-distance bus they were travelling in overturned.
The incident happened at about 7.15am on Sunday near Roux Park.
Reports indicate that the bus was travelling from the Eastern Cape to Cape Town.
Preliminary reports confirmed eight fatalities and multiple passengers sustaining injuries ranging from serious to minor.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said Worcester police were investigating a case of culpable homicide.
Due to the severity of the incident, the road had to be closed to ensure the safety of responders and to facilitate the necessary operations. Motorists were re-directed to alternative routes.
Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger commended emergency response teams, including the provincial traffic services, Breede Valley Fire Department, provincial EMS, Worcester police, Priority Care, ER24, and forensic services teams who worked tirelessly to provide medical attention to the injured and manage the scene with urgency.
“They carried out triage operations to assist all affected individuals. It is with great sadness that we confirm the loss of eight lives. Additionally, 22 people sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for further care.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends who are grieving during this difficult time. We are fully committed to supporting everyone affected by this tragedy, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance. Our dedicated medical personnel are working tirelessly to provide the best possible care for those injured,” said Wenger.
Social Development MEC Jaco Londt was at the scene to assess the need for support services.
“Social workers from the Western Cape Department of Social Development were on the scene shortly after the accident occurred to assist with psychosocial support, such as trauma and bereavement counselling. I have also contacted my counterpart in the Eastern Cape, as some affected passengers are from there, so we may co-ordinate support efforts.
“The DSD staff also helped the first responders to facilitate the transportation of affected passengers. They have assisted several families and will continue to work with health officials, and those from the Eastern Cape DSD, to render support as needed,” said Londt.
Last month, five people were killed and 22 others were injured in a crash involving a truck, a bus and a minibus taxi, along the N1 highway at De Doorns near Worcester.
Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said the safety of road users remained their highest priority, especially during busy days leading to holiday seasons.
“We urge all road users to prioritise safety at all times, especially as we approach the peak holiday period. Let us work together to prevent further tragedies and ensure that everyone reaches their destinations safely. The Western Cape government will continue to assist in every possible way during this difficult time,” he said.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on Sunday launched the 2024 Festive Season Road Safety campaign in Gauteng, urging everyone to reduce road crashes and deaths as more than 10 000 people have already been killed in accidents this year.
“The government alone cannot change this reality.
“We can only save lives if road users change their behaviour, because it is the behaviour of people that led to most of the 11 883 deaths on our roads last year.
Even though the number of road fatalities/deaths decreased by 4.4% from 2022 to 2023, one death is one too many. So far this year, 10 154 people have already died on our roads.
“Road crashes have a negative impact on the economy and a devastating impact on families and communities,” said Creecy.
South Africa recorded 10 180 crashes in 2023 which resulted in 11 883 deaths. Road accidents cost the economy no less than R205 billion, which translates into a whopping 2.74% of GDP for 2023.
“This 2024 festive season and heading into 2025 we must not only say we are going to change our behaviour on the roads, we must act.
Each one of us must do everything possible to save lives. Given the data at hand, and with the resources at our disposal, the department and Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) have set about implementing targeted interventions this festive season that are aimed at changing driver behaviour and enhancing our enforcement actions.”
The RTMC told Parliament’s portfolio committee on transport that the festive plan was to intensify and build up daily operations from December 1 to clamp down on public transport including bus and minibus taxis, drunk-driving, intoxicated pedestrians on the roads, and speeding motorists.
The top 20 critical routes were mostly identified in the Eastern Cape. Route R71 in Limpopo topped the list, followed by the R573 in Mpumalanga and R61 in the Eastern Cape.
Cape Times