UPDATE: 13:20

The death toll from the bus accident on the R21 northbound near OR Tambo International Airport has risen to 16.

Road Traffic Management Authority spokesperson Simon Zwane confirmed that four more passengers died in the hospital, increasing the death toll from 12 to 16.

BREAKING NEWS:

Twelve people were killed and 45 others injured in a bus accident on the R21 northbound near OR Tambo International Airport this morning.

City of Ekurhuleni Disaster & Emergency Management Services spokesperson William Ntladi said the deceased included nine men and three women.

“Emergency services arrived to find victims scattered across the road. A medical assessment was conducted, and paramedics declared 12 adult passengers dead at the scene. The remaining 45 people, including the driver, were taken to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical,” Ntladi said.

By the time of publishing, all four lanes remained blocked, and motorists were urged to use alternative routes.

Ekurhuleni Roads and Transport MMC Andile Mngwevu said the bus, owned by the City of Ekurhuleni, was transporting passengers from Katlehong to Kempton Park.

“The bus travels this route daily to take passengers to their destinations. Unfortunately, an accident occurred today. We will investigate to determine the cause,” said Mngwevu.

Mngwevu dismissed claims that the bus was overloaded, stating that it had 57 occupants at the time, well within its certified capacity of 65 passengers.

The MMC assured that the city would conduct a full investigation into the crash.

“We are at a loss for words. This is a disaster. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the deceased, and we pray for the speedy recovery of those receiving medical care,” he said.

“To see so many bodies lying on the road is heartbreaking. The city stands with the families who were expecting their loved ones to return home today,” Mngwevu said.