5 killed, 36 in hospital after collision
POLICE are investigating culpable homicide after a bus transporting farmworkers collided with an SUV and claimed five lives along the R321 heading to the Theewaterskloof Dam in Villiersdorp area yesterday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said three occupants of the SUV and two farm workers died in the accident involving more than 60 people in total.
The farmworkers, who are employees of the Chiltern Farms in Villiersdorp, were on route to work.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson Deanna February said a call for assistance came through to EMS’s Communication Centre at 6.50am for a motor vehicle accident.
Two rescue vehicles, six provincial EMS ambulances, two tangos and two private ambulances were dispatched to the scene to assist patients.
She said 36 injured patients were taken to Caledon hospital and Grabouw Community Health Clinic (CHC), while 27 others were transported to their place of residence.
“All patients were removed from the scene and it was cleared around 12.10pm. Forensic Pathology Services were at the scene to conduct an inspection before the deceased patients were extricated from the vehicles.
“In all 36 patients were transported to Caledon hospital and Grabouw CHC, 27 uninjured patients were transported to their place of residence by private transport and unfortunately five patients are deceased. A total of 68 patients were involved in the incident. We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased,” she said.
Chiltern Farms managing director, Justin Mudge called for witnesses who were at the scene to allow investigators to establish the facts before sharing pictures and stories on social media.
“This morning one of our personnel transport vehicles was involved in an accident on the R321 between Villiersdrop and Vyeboom while transporting employees to work.
“It’s with great sadness that we report that there were two fatalities of Chiltern employees at the scene and that another 36 team members with injuries were taken for medical treatment by the emergency services. There were three fatalities from the other vehicle involved in the accident.
“I would respectfully ask that the many witnesses at the scene allow the accident and emergency services time to perform their duties and allow the investigators to establish the facts before sharing pictures and stories on social media. I would like to give credit to our driver, who kept calm and did not panic. This undoubtedly saved many lives,” he said.
They were assisting those involved in the accident and providing support where they could and would continue to do so.