The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, visited various hospitals to assess the patients who were admitted following a fatal bus crash near OR Tambo International Airport yesterday, March 11.

Yesterday’s bus crash on the R21 near OR Tambo International Airport, resulted in the deaths of 14 people and the injury of many more.

Emergency services and law enforcement worked tirelessly at the scene, recovering victims and transporting the injured to various hospitals across Ekurhuleni.

Also read: R21 reopened as death toll from fatal bus crash continues to rise

Today, March 12, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, visited Thembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital to assess the condition of patients admitted following the crash.

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, while Ekurhuleni executive mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza also visited the hospital to check on the victims.

According to MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko, Thembisa Hospital is currently treating six patients from the crash.

Of these, three are in critical condition, while the other three remain stable.

No fatalities have been reported at the hospital.

“At the moment, we have identified 14 casualties from the accident.

“However, many patients remain admitted in various hospitals.

“At Thembisa Hospital, six people are being treated, three in critical condition and three in stable condition. We are working closely with the forensic team and using fingerprint databases to help identify patients and notify their families as quickly as possible,” she said.

Also read: “This is a disaster” -12 dead and 45 injured in R21 bus crash

She also revealed that an unidentified limb was recovered at the scene.

“We are unsure who it belongs to at this stage. Our forensic team is investigating, and we will be are heading to Far East Hospital to check for any matches,” she added.

The MEC commended emergency responders and military personnel for their efforts in rescuing the victims.

“Those who are able to speak have expressed gratitude to the soldiers and emergency workers who worked tirelessly to extract patients from the wreckage.

Some sources initially stated that 16 people had died, while others reported 13 fatalities.

However, the MEC confirmed that the official death toll stands at 14.

Watch our video here

@kemptonexpress The EMPD has confirmed that 12 fatalities have been reported so far following this morning’s bus crash on the R21 northbound. Reported earlier TOTAL CLOSURE of R21 north following fatal bus crash Motorists travelling on the R21 northbound are advised to use alternative routes following a fatal bus crash earlier this morning, March 11. Multiple fatalities have been reported. The affected section of the highway has been closed to allow emergency services to conduct rescue and clean-up operations. #TiktokNews #kemptonexpress #kemptonpark #localnews #kempton #cityofekurhuleni #Police #emergencyservices Video by @boitumelodinne19 intern journalist for @kemptonexpress ♬ original sound – KemptonExpress

“We have confirmed 14 fatalities, along with the unidentified limb, bringing the forensic count to 15.

“Each hospital involved is providing updates, and we are working from a command center at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital.

“This will allow the media to access accurate information through our disaster management center and avoid misinformation,” she explained.

She urged the public and the media to stay updated through official channels, as the situation is fluid and details continue to emerge.

During her address, the MEC also introduced Dr Rianna Louw, who was recently appointed as the acting CEO of Thembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital.