This is official confirmation that twenty three (23) people died from the tragic bus accident in De Doorns yesterday. The post mortems were concluded yesterday and the last one this morning and ready to be identified by the next of kin. One of the deceased was pregnant and the unborn child also perished.
The 23 deceased include:
* Adults:
- 14 female adults
- six male adults
* Children/babies: (estimated age)
- four to five year old boy
- five month male baby
- seven to eight month female baby
Twenty five people were discharged from hospital yesterday and an additional 3 today. Some were transported by bus to their intended destination whilst others preferred to be collected by their families. Prior to their discharge, these patients were given the opportunity to make telephonic contact with their families. They received trauma counselling, were given lunch, as well as formula and nappies for the babies.
There are still 23 people currently in our health facilities including five who are in a critical, but stable condition.
* Tygerberg Hospital (two children and four adults)
* Worcester Hospital (12)
* Helderberg Hospital (two)
* Somerset Hospital (one)
* Red Cross Children Hospital (two), of whom one have been re-united with his family.
We were also able to re-unite a family of five (mum, dad and one child at Worcester and the two brothers at Tygerberg). Three patients requested to be transferred to Helderberg and Somerset hospitals, to be closer to their families.
The staff at Worcester Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital should be commended for their speedy and efficient response in this challenging situation.
Media enquiries:
Myliesha Wakefield
Principal Communications Officer
Tel: 021 918 1292
Fax: 021 948 3343
E-mail: mwakefie@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, Western Cape Provincial Government
6 May 2010
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
