In a devastating early morning accident, four people lost their lives and dozens more were injured when an Intercity bus overturned on the N12 between Britstown and Victoria West on Thursday, 31 July 2025.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the accident occurred at approximately 05:20. According to initial reports, the driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle near a bridge, causing it to overturn. The bus was carrying 42 passengers at the time of the crash.
Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they found a harrowing situation: two men and two women had tragically died at the scene from their injuries. Additionally, eight passengers — including one man, six women, and a baby girl — sustained serious injuries. They were stabilised on site before being rushed to nearby hospitals for further medical care.
The remaining 30 passengers suffered only minor injuries. They received treatment at the scene, and those who were fit to travel were later transported by a second Intercity bus that was dispatched to continue the journey.
Authorities have since launched a full investigation into the crash. A case of culpable homicide has been opened by SAPS in Britstown as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the accident. While official causes are still under scrutiny, early indications suggest that the driver may have lost control due to a combination of low visibility and possible fatigue — factors common in early morning travel.
The police have called on all motorists to exercise heightened caution when travelling during off-peak hours, especially in rural or semi-rural areas like this stretch of the N12. Poor lighting, tiredness, and decreased concentration are all potential contributors to road accidents during the early hours of the day.
In the wake of the accident, public concern has grown around road safety for long-distance travel. This tragedy comes amid broader national conversations around transport safety, especially with intercity buses that carry large numbers of passengers over long distances.
The names of the deceased have not yet been released, as authorities are still in the process of notifying their next of kin. Meanwhile, grief counselors have been made available to assist survivors and the families of those affected.
Transport officials and SAPS have promised to release further updates as more details emerge from the investigation.
The tragic incident has prompted renewed calls for stricter monitoring of driver fatigue, regular vehicle inspections, and more frequent rest stops for long-distance travel services to help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Anyone with more information about the accident is encouraged to contact local authorities. The public can also share details anonymously via WhatsApp through designated media channels.
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