UPDATE: Seven killed in a horrific bus crash on the Long Tom Pass
About 52 people were onboard the bus when the driver allegedly lost control and overturned it down an incline.
The R37 between Lydenburg and Sabie has claimed seven lives, this afternoon, December 7.
According to the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, the accident happened when a bus that they were travelling on seemingly lost control and overturned.
Also read: BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Six people killed in bus accident on the Long Tom Pass
@lowvelder LONG TOM PASS ACCIDENT UPDATE: Lowvelder is on the scene. According to Emer-G-Med’s Martin Jeffrey, there are 53 injured persons. Six deaths have been confirmed. Sarza is on the scene. Van Wettens will be moving in with a rig to recover the bus. This will then determine if there are more dead or injured. The road is still closed and motorists are advised to use alternative routes. Lowvelder will update its readers once more information becomes available. #Buscrash #caraccident #longtompass #accident #rescue
The seven died allegedly on impact. Initially, it was reported that there were two fatalities.
“The emergency personnel and other stakeholders who were working on the scene uncovered more bodies. All the deceased are passengers. The driver is among the 52 people who sustained injuries and had to be transported to nearby hospitals. The cause of this major accident is now a subject of investigation by various stakeholders, and some of these are currently at the scene,” said Mmusi.
He also said the road is currently operating on stop-and-go basis. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes.
Mpumalanga MEC for the DCSSL Vusi Shongwe, once again appealing for cautious usage of the road during this festive season.
He said it was deeply disheartening for the province to start the season on such a grim note.
“We are concerned about the number of fatalities that the province recorded so far from the crashes since last week. We continue to make a clarion call to motorists to be extremely vigilant amid rising traffic volumes. They should be patient and plan their trips accordingly,” Shongwe says.
He is also sending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
