R21 BUS CRASH DEATH TOLL RISES TO 16

The MMC for Roads & Transport Planning in the City of Ekurhuleni, Andile Mgwevu, has vowed that the City will leave no stone unturned in investigating the fatal bus accident that claimed the lives of 16 people on the R21 northbound near OR Tambo International Airport Interchange earlier this morning.

Tragic Loss of Lives

Initially, 12 passengers were declared deceased on the scene. However, as the day progressed, four more victims succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to 16. Over 40 passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to various hospitals, including Tembisa and Edenvale Hospitals.

The EMPD (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department) confirmed that among the injured was the bus driver, who is also receiving medical treatment.

MMC Mgwevu Calls It a Disaster

Following the tragedy, MMC Mgwevu, along with Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, visited 15 of the injured patients at Tembisa Hospital. Mgwevu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a “disaster” and emphasizing that the City is committed to determining the exact cause of the accident.

Investigation Underway

While the official cause of the crash is yet to be confirmed, MMC Mgwevu suggested that driver error may have played a role.

“We are still waiting for the final investigation and footage of what really happened. At this stage, we can’t confirm the exact cause, but from initial observations, it appears the bus attempted to veer to the side, hit the curb, and overturned,” said Mgwevu.

Authorities are currently conducting a full-scale investigation into the accident. More details are expected as officials analyze CCTV footage and conduct further assessments.