Tragic Accident on R21 Near OR Tambo International Airport
The death toll from the tragic bus crash that occurred on the R21 highway in Gauteng on Tuesday morning has risen to 16. The accident, which took place near OR Tambo International Airport around 6:30 AM, involved a City of Ekurhuleni passenger bus and a light motor vehicle.
Details of the Crash
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), preliminary reports indicate that both vehicles were traveling in the third lane from the right when the light motor vehicle (LMV) suddenly braked after missing its offramp exit.
To avoid a collision, the bus driver also braked and swerved. This maneuver caused the bus to lose control, rotate clockwise, overturn, and come to a stop in the offramp lane, facing south.
Casualties and Injuries
The accident has claimed the lives of 16 people, with 12 victims pronounced dead at the scene and four more succumbing to their injuries in the hospital.
Authorities are still verifying the total number of injured individuals. Current reports suggest that 11 people sustained critical injuries, while another 24 suffered moderate to serious injuries.
Ongoing Investigation
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane stated that investigations into the crash are ongoing, and details may change as more verified information emerges. An RTMC crash investigator remains on-site to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Ekurhuleni Officials Address Overloading Concerns
Ekurhuleni Roads and Transport MMC Andile Mngwevu has denied claims that the bus was overloaded at the time of the accident.
Speaking to the media at the scene, Mngwevu explained that the bus’s capacity was well within legal limits. “If you do the calculations—45 people rushed to the hospital plus 12 deceased—you get around 57. Our bus has a capacity of 65 seated passengers and an additional 20 standing, so the number of occupants was within the prescribed limit,” he stated.
Condition of the Bus Driver and Safety Standards
Mngwevu confirmed that the bus driver was also taken to the hospital. City officials will assess the driver’s condition and gather more information regarding the accident from him.
He reassured the public that Ekurhuleni buses undergo regular inspections to ensure they are roadworthy. “Our drivers are credible, and we conduct continuous inspections to make sure our buses are fit for purpose. This is an unfortunate incident, and we are deeply shocked,” he said.
Mngwevu also pointed out that the metro has not experienced any serious bus-related accidents in recent years. “Since I became MMC almost two years ago, we have not had any major accidents involving buses and passengers,” he added.
Authorities Working to Trace Families of Victims
The metro has begun the process of identifying the victims and tracing their families. “Authorities are conducting searches to determine who the deceased are so they can notify their families. Once this process is complete, we will provide further updates on the way forward,” Mngwevu stated.
The investigation into this devastating accident continues as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragic loss of life.