Bus gutted on R34 between Utrecht and Blood River Crossing
Motorists travelling along the R34 are warned to be cautious as the bus is currently obstructing one lane.
Only the ashen husk remains of a bus transporting passengers from Johannesburg to Nquthu, after it caught fire on the R34 between Utrecht and the Blood River Crossing this evening.
Traffic officials, who were first on the scene, said the bus was entirely engulfed in flames within minutes, however, the driver and passengers miraculously escaped without any injuries being reported.
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“When we got here, we controlled traffic as we waited for the fire department. The passengers were standing along the road. While they were unhurt, they were upset about losing their possessions in the fire. Many had left their handbags and wallets behind when they got out and have lost all the money they carried with them,” said an officer, who witnessed the blaze. “The bus company sent another bus to transport the passengers safely to Nquthu. We are now waiting for a breakdown vehicle to remove the bus.”
Utrecht fire fighter, Thokozani Mhlungu, said it took between 10 and 20 minutes to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Motorists travelling along the R34 are warned to be cautious as the bus is currently obstructing one lane.
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