A total of 77 passengers sustained injuries in the crash. Of these, eight were critical, 40 were seriously injured and 29 were evaluated to have moderate to minor injuries.
This afternoon, March 12, officials from the City of Ekurhuleni confirmed details surrounding the bus crash that occurred on Tuesday, March 11, on the R21 northbound near the R24 split, close to OR Tambo International Airport.
The crash, which took place at approximately 06:32, involved a city-owned passenger bus and an unidentified light motor vehicle. Emergency services were immediately dispatched, and an Incident Command Post was set up to coordinate response efforts.
“Regrettably, 13 lives were lost in the collision. Twelve passengers were declared dead at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries in hospital,” said CoE spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini.
He added that a total of 77 passengers sustained injuries and were transported to various healthcare facilities.
These injuries were classified as follows: eight were critically injured, 40 were seriously injured and 29 were evaluated to have moderate to minor injuries.
“The City’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), alongside EMPD, SAPS, EMS, RTMC crash investigators, and private emergency responders, worked tirelessly to triage, treat, and transport the injured to hospitals across Gauteng.
“Trauma counselling services are being provided to support affected families during this difficult time,” said Dlamini.
Hospital Admissions
The following breakdown details where patients were transported for medical treatment:
- Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital – 15 patients
- Edenvale Hospital – 14 patients
- Tembisa Hospital – 13 patients
- Far East Rand Hospital – 7 patients
- Zamokuhle Private Hospital – 5 patients
- Thelle Mogoerane Hospital – 6 patients
- Ethafeni Clinic – 6 patients
- Itireleng Clinic – 2 patients
- Bertha Gxowa Hospital – 3 patients
- Arwyp Private Hospital – 1 patient
- Esangweni Clinic – 1 patient
- Rose Acres Clinic – 1 patient
Ongoing Investigation
An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway, led by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the SAPS.
As part of the probe, officials are reviewing CCTV footage of the incident captured by SANRAL.
“The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that the MAN passenger bus was roadworthy, with a valid Certificate of Fitness issued on February 10, 2025.
“Passenger manifest reconciliation is ongoing, with final confirmation expected by the end of today, March 12,” said Dlamini.
Support for Affected Families
“The City of Ekurhuleni extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.
“A Joint Operations Centre has been established to assist members of the public who are trying to locate missing loved ones, seeking clarity on the accident or requiring psycho-social support.”
For assistance, the Joint Operations Centre can be contacted at 011 999 1920.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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