Transport Minister, Ms Dipuo Peters has expressed shock and sadness following a horrific bus crash that took place in Warden in the Free State province today 13 November 2015 at about 14:05. The bus caught fire while transporting 22 children travelling on the N3 near Warden.
Preliminary information available to the department at this point indicates that the bus, which was carrying children, caught alight and burst into flames and thereafter crashing into an embarkment.
The driver sustained 40% second degree burns and unconsciously he jumped out of the bus leaving it unattended.
One child sustained first degree burns whilst four sustained minor injuries. It is also alleged that two kids between the ages of 2-4 years could not escape and suffered fatal injures. Some of the kids were taken to hospital for shock treatment and smoke inhalation.
A team of Accident Investigation and Reconstruction specialists from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has been dispatched to the scene including membrs of the South African Police Services (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Rescue (EMR).
Minister Peters has expressed shock and sadness at this horrific occurrence. The Minister has called upon all enforcement agencies working on the investigations to leave no stone unturned in determing the cause of the blaze in the bus.
“Only today we officially opened the 2nd Annual National Road Safety Summit in Cape Town and a horrific incident such as this happens.
The purpose of this Summit is precisely to find real and lasting solutions to the carnage we see on our roads. We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic occurrence. Our deep felt condolences go to the families and friends of the deceased and injured children. We wish those that are injured a speedy recovery as law enforcement agencies dig to the bottom of the occurrence”. said Minister Peters.
“Together, motorists, passengers and pedestrians, we can put a stop to this. If we all work together and obey all the rules of the road, without exception – we can stop this carnage on our roads.
We all need to be extremely vigilant and cautious at all times on the road” added Minister Peters.
Enquiries:
Sam Monareng
Cell: 073 491 3382
