The bus was transporting security officers to work in Tzaneen when the incident occurred.

According to the bus driver, Ben Mabunda, the hundred and one seater bus had just transported passengers from Tzaneen to Mariveni Village before the unfortunate incident happened.

On its way back to Tzaneen with seven officers on board the bus stopped on the Mariveni Road to pick up a passenger when one of the bus’ tyres burst and caused the fire.

All the passengers including the driver managed to escape from the bus unharmed.

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According to an eye witness when the fire fighters arrived at the scene the bus was already engulfed in flames and smoke.

“They tried hard to contain the fire but the bus was already badly damaged,” said the eye witness.

The bus belongs to the Risaba Bus Services from N’wamitwa.