ANC supporter killed, 8 injured in R61 bus accident
A 48-year-old woman was killed and eight passengers seriously injured in a bus crash on the R61 on Friday.
Several passengers sustained minor injuries. The bus was heading to an ANC Chris Hani Mayihlome rally in Ngcobo.
Party volunteer Bukeka Bonkolo is said to have died on the spot.
The 42-seater bus was carrying 28 passengers.
A witness, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “I was in one of the cars following the bus.
“We saw the bus speeding backwards, swerving wildly across the road. It looked like the driver was struggling to control the vehicle. Several cars had to swerve out of the way to avoid being hit.
“The bus had trouble staying in gear while on the incline. The bus finally hit the guardrail, flipped over, and landed on a retaining wall.
“She was the only fatality in the
accident. Her body was found between the seats. Many people were coming out and we went to assist. It was a horrible experience.
“Some of the passengers were taken to a nearby hospital in Cofimvaba and to Frontier Hospital in Komani, with some released on the same day.”
ANC regional secretary Andile Mini said the party extended its heartfelt sympathies to the families
and supporters.
“Injured comrades are currently receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities. The ANC believes that our comrades exemplified an unwavering commitment to the ANC by responding to the rallying call of Mayihlome.
“It is a serious tragedy that there is a loss of life and injuries ahead of such a significant and memorable day. Their selflessness and commitment to building a better future for generations to come will forever be remembered by the ANC family.”
He said an ANC delegation was set to visit the bereaved family and console the injured comrades.
“The ANC mourns with the bereaved families who have lost their loved one and may the soul of the deceased rest in peace,” Mini said.
Mini told The Rep that the bus was ferrying 28 passengers.
Provincial transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said a case of culpable homicide had been opened for further investigations.
“One person has died while eight others sustained serious injuries in an accident involving a bus on the R61 between Komani and Cofimvaba. The injured have been rushed to a hospital in Komani. It’s alleged the bus lost power while driving on an uphill. It was ferrying people from Komani to a political event in Engcobo when the accident occurred.”