Transport Minister, Honourable Dikobe Ben Martins has expressed shock and sadness at the horrific loss of 24 lives and serious injuries to scores more passengers resulting from a bus crash that took place in the Western Cape province this morning.
Preliminary reports indicate that this morning, 15 March 2013 at approximately 11h00 on the N1 in the Hexriver Pass, De Doorns, Western Cape, a passenger bus from Gauteng lost control and overturned down an embankment killing 24 passengers and leaving scores of other passengers sustaining serious injuries.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation has since dispatched a team of accident and incident investigation and reconstruction specialists to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The Minister has called for a speedy conclusion of the investigation so that we get to the bottom of the cause of this horrific crash.
“Having launched the 2013 Easter Road Safety Campaign only just recently on the 10th of this month, we are very saddened by this occurrence of the unnecessary loss of so many of our people’s lives. We repeat our call to motorists and all road users to be vigilant on the roads at all times. Our heartfelt and sincere condolences go to the families of the deceased and we wish all those who are injured a speedy recovery,” said Minister Martins.
“This is a very sad day in South Africa. The Easter holiday season is upon us and many more people are going to be travelling to various destinations. We call on every road user in the country to take personal interest and responsibility in road safety and ensure that South Africa's roads are not turned into killing fields,” the Minister added.
“This carnage on our roads must be brought to a stop. All of us as South Africans have to join hands and bring a stop to it. We need to form and sustain partnerships between government and civil society to win the war against the road carnage.
Our traffic law enforcement officers must remain vigilant in their enforcement of road traffic rules, without fear or favour. If vehicles are found to be unroadworthy, they must be taken off the roads to save the lives of our people," says Minister Martins.
The Road Accident Fund, an agency of the Department of Transport will also assist the families of the deceased and injured with the necessary support during this period.
Enquiries:
Tiyani Rikhotso
Cell: 083 570 1275
