Cape Town - In a tragic start to the festive season, eight people, including six children, died when a bus overturned en route to Cape Town from the Eastern Cape on the N1 near Worcester, with 22 others injured and receiving medical attention.
The Western Cape government confirmed the incident at 7.15am yesterday on the N1 near Roux Park.
Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, said preliminary reports confirmed the eight fatalities, with multiple passengers sustaining injuries ranging from serious to minor.
“Initial reports indicate that the bus was travelling from the Eastern Cape to Cape Town when it overturned.
“Emergency response teams were promptly dispatched to the scene, including the Provincial Traffic Services, Breede Valley Fire Department, Provincial EMS, Worcester SAPS, Priority Care, ER24, and Forensic Services.
“These teams are working tirelessly to provide medical attention to the injured and manage the scene with the utmost urgency.
“Due to the severity of the incident, the N1 near Roux Park remains temporarily closed to ensure the safety of responders and to facilitate the necessary operations. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and exercise caution while travelling in the area,” Sileku said.
Sileku said the cause of the incident was under investigation and urged all road users to prioritise safety at all times during the peak holiday period.
“This is a heartbreaking incident, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives. We also wish a full and speedy recovery to those injured.”
Breede Valley Municipality spokesperson, John Bulani, said the Fire Department Emergency Call Centre dispatched its crews immediately.
“On arrival they found the bus lying on its side with multiple patients trapped on the inside and multiple patients on the outside.
“EMS was already on scene upon arrival. The fire department crews assisted with patient care and to free the trapped patients from inside and under the bus,” Bulani said.
Police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi, said Worcester police are investigating a case of culpable homicide.
“Worcester police responded to a complaint on Sunday morning, and upon arrival on the N1 highway direction Cape Town at around 7.10am, they found a bus involved in a motor vehicle accident.
“Eight victims were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. At this stage rescue workers are hard at work to free all the victims,” Swartbooi said.
The incident comes just days after the province launched its festive season readiness campaign, with an extensive plan that includes daily 24/7 traffic operations.
Focus areas for enforcement include targeting: driving under the influence; speeding; seatbelt compliance; overloading; fatigue management; visibility and distracted driving.
Health and Wellness MEC, Mireille Wenger, said: “I want to commend our EMS teams for their swift response to this tragic incident. 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. We are fully committed to supporting everyone affected by this tragedy, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance.
Social Development MEC, Jaco Londt, was at the scene on Sunday to assess the need for support services.
He said social workers are assisting 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 coordinate support efforts. DSD staff also helped the first responders to facilitate the transportation of affected passengers,” Londt said.
sibuliso.duba@inl.co.za