12 March 2009
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr Bheki Cele
has expressed his deepest shock and condolences to the families of seven
victims killed in a gruesome accident along R617, two kilometres before
Underberg this afternoon, 12 March 2009.
Preliminary reports reveal that the bus was travelling from Mtata (Eastern
Cape) to Secunda (Mpumalanga) carrying approximately 36 passengers, when it was
approaching the curve, the bus slipped because of the rain in the area. It is
alleged that the driver lost control and it went down the embankment killing
eight people instantly and other passengers trapped inside.
The driver did not sustain any injuries. The cause of the accident is
unknown at this stage pending police investigation; however rainy weather
conditions and driver error including speed as possible motives cannot be ruled
out.
"I wish to express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and
friends of those who have lost their lives in this horrific accident; however
we urge all motorists to be extra careful on roads and especially during bad
weather to avoid such painful deaths. Necessary measures will be taken if the
police investigation reveals that the cause of the accident was due to the
drivers' negligence. Such accidents can be avoided if the drivers are extra
cautious and keeping to the speed limit," said Cele.
Enquiries:
Nonkululeko Mbatha
Cell: 083 645 6252
Issued by: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison,
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
12 March 2009
Source: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, KwaZulu-Natal
Provincial Government (http://www.kzntransport.gov.za)
