MEDIA STATEMENT

SIX PEOPLE KILLED IN A HORROR BUS CRASH IN VRYHEID

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr. Bheki Cele has expressed shock and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of six people who were killed in a horror bus crash on the R34 in Vryheid this afternoon at 3pm (13/09/05). "In two days we have lost 14 lives in the province which is shocking and unacceptable, I serve upon a mandate of ensuring safety in our roads. "I again urge all road users to be more cautious and careful on the road especially those who carry passengers, they are not a load but somebody else’s family member,"Cele said.

Six people have been killed and fifteen injured when a bus belonging Thanduyise Passenger Bus Service went through the railings of the river and landed seven metres below in the river. Preliminary reports have revealed that the bus driver allegedly tried to avoid a truck and subsequently ended up swerving out of the road into the railings and down the river bank. "We will beef up law enforcement more especially on the roads where heavy motor vehicles travel. All drivers must keep to the safe following distance, ensure that their headlights are in good working condition and apply all safety measures in rainy weather" said Cele.

The bus was travelling from Nongoma to Vryheid with mostly teenaged passengers on board. Fifteen people have been admitted to Vryheid Provincial hospital and are reported to be in a stable but critical condition.

The Road Traffic Inspectorate has impounded the bus and technical experts will conduct major technical investigations tomorrow. Meanwhile the SAPS are investigating six counts of culpable homicide.

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