Johannesburg – President Jacob Zuma on Friday extended his condolences to the families of 11 women from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who died in a military bus crash in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State.
“The nation is saddened by this horrific loss of so many members of our defence force who lost their lives on duty. They had dedicated their lives to the Defence of our country and its people,” Zuma said in a statement.
“It is really tragic for them to lose their lives in this manner. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families at this difficult and painful time. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Earlier, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said a team of accident reconstruction experts have been sent to probe the horror military bus crash.
Nine women died on the scene when the bus rolled down an embankment on the R712. Another two women died in hospital.
“The exact cause has not been established. Investigators are at the scene of the incident,” said RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane.
Meanwhile, the Free State Department of Police, Road and Transport spokeswoman Hillary Mophethe confirmed a total of 42 people were on the bus – 40 women and two men – all believed to be military officials.
Earlier, the head of the province’s emergency medical services, Reuben Ruiters, told the African News Agency (ANA) that nine of the military officers died on the scene while another nine had been taken to hospital in a critical condition.
“We responded with eight ambulances and three rescue vehicles. The injured were taken to the Bethlehem Medi-Clinic and the Bethlehem provincial hospital,” said Ruiters.
Police were on the scene investigating. Mophethe confirmed a culpable homicide docket had been opened.
African News Agency (ANA)