Premier sends condolences

EASTERN Cape premier Phumulo Masualle conveyed his condolences to the victims of two bus crashes which claimed the lives of a total of 18 people. Masualle also wished a speedy recovery to dozens more who were injured in the accidents.

Two separate bus crashes on Eastern Cape roads killed at least 18 people and left scores injured on Wednesday. A Vaal Maseru bus which was on its way from Welkom to various Eastern Cape towns left 13 people dead and 42 injured after it overturned at Ngcobo.

Ten passengers, including the bus driver, were declared dead on the scene after the bus veered off the road and overturned in bushes a few metres from the main road, less than a kilometre to the town of Ngcobo.

Three more bodies were uncovered after the bus wreckage was removed.

Late on Wednesday, a Translux bus was involved in a collision which left five passengers dead. The crash occurred on the N6 between Komani (Queenstown) and Jamestown. Scores of passengers were taken to hospital.

“We convey our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in these tragic accidents,” said Masualle.

“Investigations must now move swiftly to find their causes, it cannot be that we have become desensitised to the senseless loss of life on our roads. Reckless and negligent drivers must be brought to book.” – African News Agency (ANA)