Five people died when a bus overturned on the R33 between eMkhondo and Amsterdam in Mpumalanga yesterday afternoon.

Lowvelder reports that six others sustained serious injuries, while another 20 passengers escaped with minor injuries. The driver, who is among the injured, reportedly lost control of the bus.

Emergency response

“The injured were transported to a nearby hospital in eMkhondo by various ambulance services,” says Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson Moeti Mmusi.

He confirms the bus had departed Johannesburg with 65 registered passengers, but several had disembarked along the route. As a result, only 31 people were on board at the time.

“The bus was not carrying 80 passengers as was earlier reported,” Mmusi clarifies.

Investigation underway

He adds that the cause of the crash is still under investigation, though wet road conditions may have been a contributing factor.

MEC Jackie Macie has conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

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