By Malcom Hlongwane
Fifteen people, including three children, were killed when a passenger bus travelling from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape overturned on the N1 near Touws River in the early hours of Thursday.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the crash occurred at about 00:45. The bus, carrying 78 passengers, was travelling towards the Eastern Cape when it overturned. Police confirmed that no other vehicle was involved in the accident.
Emergency services, disaster management teams and SAPS members responded to the scene, where 15 people were declared dead. The victims included seven adult men, five adult women and three children.
Several passengers sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The extent of their injuries has not yet been confirmed.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the bus to overturn. Police have opened an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns about road safety on South Africa’s major highways, particularly during long-distance travel. Officials are expected to examine the condition of the vehicle, road conditions and other possible contributing factors as part of the investigation.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.
The bus crash is one of the deadliest road accidents reported in the country this year. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads while investigations continue.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Email: malcolm@onenews.co.za
