Increasing number of bus crashes is alarming – City of Ekurhuleni  

​

The City of Ekurhuleni is concerned about the high number of bus accidents involving students and citizens. On March 12, a school bus carrying 19 primary school learners to Katlehong collided with an articulated truck trailer.

Paramedics treated minor injuries at the scene at the intersection of Dekema and Blackreef roads in Wadeville. According to DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi, the 65-seater bus was transporting learners from Ramaphosa informal settlement in Boksburg to Sekgotlong Primary School in Katlehong.

“The bus crashed into the back of the truck trailer; no fatalities or significant injuries were reported on the spot. Nineteen youngsters were treated on-site by paramedics for minor injuries before being transported to medical facilities,” said Ntladi.

“The drivers of both vehicles escaped without injury. A second empty bus from the same bus company arrived to transport unhurt learners to school.”

According to Ntladi, the truck reportedly stopped suddenly in the middle of the road, and the bus was unable to stop in time, resulting in a collision with the trailer.

A similar incident took place earlier this year when a scholar transport bus was involved in a multi-vehicle accident at the intersection of Blackreef Road and Kasteel Street in Dinwiddie on January 15.

Many learners escaped unharmed after the bus they were riding in collided with seven light motor vehicles. The two recent accidents that shocked the community are the fatal accident on the N12 in Daveyton on March 10, and the accident on March 11 on the R21 northbound, near the R24 split close to OR Tambo International Airport.

The accident in Daveyton prompted Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane to visit the families of the four learners who lost their lives.

Additionally, another Grade Three learner was reported to be in critical condition as a result of the accident and has been admitted to a local hospital for urgent medical care.

Ntladi said the rate at which vehicles carrying learners are involved in accidents is worrying, urging parents and guardians to use certified scholar transport for accountability.

The accident on March 11, on the R21, in the early hours of the day, raised more concerns. The incident involved a city-owned passenger bus and an unidentified light motor vehicle. Thirteen lives were lost as a result of the collision.

“Twelve passengers were declared deceased on the scene, and one later succumbed to injuries in hospital. A total of 77 injured passengers had to be transported to various healthcare facilities for medical attention.

“Among these, eight were critically injured, 40 sustained serious injuries, and 29 sustained moderate to minor injuries,” said the City of Ekurhuleni in a statement.

“An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Part of the investigation involves a review of CCTV footage of the incident captured by SANRAL.

“The city extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” said Dlamini.

The city has established a Joint Operation Centre to assist members of the public who are still trying to locate their loved ones, need clarity on the accident, or require psychosocial support. The number for the centre is 011 999 1920.