- विज्ञापन -
Johannesburg: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by a tragic bus crash in Gauteng province, which claimed 16 lives.
The accident occurred around 6:45 a.m. local time (0445 GMT) on Tuesday when a bus overturned on a highway in Ekurhuleni City, near Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. The initial death toll stood at 12, but it has now risen to 16, with 45 others hospitalized due to injuries.
In a statement, President Ramaphosa expressed deep sadness over the deaths and acknowledged the traumatic impact of such incidents on families and survivors. “While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, tragedies like these leave lasting emotional scars that affect relationships and the lives of those who survive,” he said.
Ramaphosa also emphasized the importance of road safety, urging all drivers to act responsibly. “The majority of accidents are caused by human error, and drivers must ensure their vehicles are safe and adhere to traffic laws,” he added.
This incident follows a series of road accidents in the country. On March 5, a collision between a bus and a truck in the Free State province killed 10 people, while another crash in KwaZulu-Natal on March 9 resulted in nine fatalities.
Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy noted that human error—such as speeding, illegal overtaking, and driving under the influence—is the leading cause of accidents in South Africa. She has urged the Road Traffic Management Corporation to meet with bus operators to discuss ways to improve passenger safety.
