At least ten people lost their lives, and over 30 others sustained injuries in a devastating accident between a bus and a truck on the N6 highway near Reddersburg in the Free State.
Fatal Crash on the N6
The collision occurred on the morning of Wednesday, 5 March, prompting authorities to urge motorists to use alternative routes. The Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport confirmed that the City to City bus, which was carrying 33 passengers, was traveling from Gauteng to the Eastern Cape when it was involved in the crash with a truck approximately 15 km south of Reddersburg.
Emergency services and law enforcement were swiftly dispatched to the scene to assist the injured and clear the wreckage. As of now, ten fatalities have been confirmed, though authorities caution that the number may still change.
Rescue Operations and Emergency Response
Rescue teams worked tirelessly at the accident site to extricate the last remaining survivors. Medical personnel attended to the injured, who were transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care. The severity of the accident led to a full road closure, significantly impacting traffic on the N6.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the accident, but an investigation is underway. The tragic incident highlights the ongoing concern about road safety in South Africa, especially on major transport routes used by buses and trucks.
Alternative Routes for Motorists
Due to the road closure, motorists have been advised to use alternative routes to bypass the accident scene:
- Travelers from Reddersburg can take the R717 to Edenburg (27 km), then connect to the N1 to Springfontein (69.5 km), and finally follow the R715 to Smithfield (103 km) to rejoin the N6.
- Those traveling from Smithfield should use the R715 to Springfontein, then the N1 to Bloemfontein (140 km) as an alternative route.
Authorities have urged drivers to be cautious, as emergency services continue clearing the area and investigating the cause of the crash.
Road Safety Concerns in South Africa
This tragic accident has once again raised concerns about road safety in the country. With high traffic volumes, especially on highways connecting provinces, many have called for stricter regulations and improved safety measures for public transport vehicles and trucks.