At 01h50 this morning, an Intercape bus was involved in a horrific crash claiming the lives of 9 passengers, and a three year old child. The bus was reportedly travelling from Cape Town to Queenstown, with 52 people on board, when the crash occurred approximately 25 kilometers from Oudtshoorn on the N12.
A full investigation by our Provincial Traffic Services and SAPS is already underway, to determine the cause of the crash, which is still unknown. Investigations will consider both driver and vehicle fitness, ensuring that all preventative measures were implemented, as required by law, by Intercape.
What we know thus far is that:
- 36 injured passengers were admitted to Oudtshoorn Hospital, 2 at Medi Clinic Klein Karoo, 1 at George Provincial Hospital, for injuries sustained.
- • 9 passengers were deceased at the scene, with a three year old child dying later in hospital.
In the first 7 days of May (excluding this morning’s deaths), we have had 23 deaths on our roads, down from 30 deaths for the same period last year. These include; 11 pedestrians; 5 drivers; 4 passengers; 2 motor cyclists; and 1 cyclist.
The last major crash on our provincial roads occurred last year on 15 March, when a bus crashed at the Hex River valley, claiming 24 lives.
Since 2009, we have prioritised public transport in this province, conducting regular safety checks, fatigue management, and testing for driver fitness; all in a bid to ensure that these long distance carriers maintain their vehicles in a safe and roadworthy condition, and ensure that their drivers are fit to be on our roads. Such crashes highlight how much more work can and must still be done by all public transport operators authorities alike. On behalf of this government and the Department of Transport and Public Works, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of those that have lost their lives, and wish a speedy recovery to those that have been injured in this horrific crash. One life lost on our roads is one too many. We will continue to work vigilantly, in partnership with all in our road safety family, to ensure that lives are not lost so senselessly on our roads.
Media enquiries:
Siphesihle Dube
Spokesperson for the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlisle
Cell: 084 233 3811
Tel: 021 483 8954
Fax: 021 483 2217
E-mail: Siphesihle.Dube@westerncape.gov.za
