Ten people have died and 57 others were injured after a passenger bus overturned on the N1 5km outside Trompsburg heading towards Bloemfontein, last night (July 30).

According to Parys Gazette, the bus, carrying around 78 occupants including the driver, was travelling from Cape Town to Zimbabwe when the driver allegedly lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn.

Verification during extrication

Initial reports put the death toll at 12, but this was revised following verification during the extrication process, according to Bloemfontein Courant.

“Due to the severity of the crash, some remains were initially counted more than once,” explained Free State Department of Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi.

All 65 surviving passengers were triaged in line with clinical guidelines. According to Bloemfontein Courant, Mvambi said 12 patients were referred to Pelonomi Trauma Hospital for further treatment, where four remain in a critical condition and one requires ventilator support. Two patients sustained serious injuries, six are receiving treatment for minor injuries and 14 were referred for X-rays.

Many other passengers with minor injuries are being processed for discharge after being certified fit to travel.

Driver taken into custody

Parys Gazette reports that police took the bus driver into custody for questioning as part of an investigation into a case of culpable homicide. Emergency services, SAPS, traffic officers and Forensic Pathology Services responded to the scene.

The N1 was closed in both directions near the crash site. At 12:00 the N1 was still closed in both directions to allow forensic pathologists to complete scene processing and to facilitate towing and recovery. Motorists are advised to expect delays and use alternative routes.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.