Two lives were lost in a bus accident on Monday afternoon. Travelling in the direction of Nongoma, a bus that was transporting 81 learners from Gelekedle High School and Sakhikusasa Primary School overturned on the R618, approximately 10km to 15km from the Vaalbank T- junction. Emergency personnel from neighbouring towns were called to assist with the mass injuries. Sadly, two teenagers (a male and a female) succumbed to their injuries. Eight other learners sustained critical injuries, while the rest were taken to various medical facilities in the area. Two of those who were critically injured were rushed to Grey’s Hospital and another was transported to Ladysmith later that night. According to eyewitnesses, the driver lost control of the bus and it veered off the road before overturning. Preliminary investigations indicate that the road surface was dry, visibility was clear, and the bus driver was within the speed limit. The bus is allowed to transfer a maximum of 85 learners, hence it was not overloaded. The driver left the scene and at the time of going to print, he had still not been found. It is unclear at this stage why he fled the scene. A member of the Legislature in KwaZulu-Natal, Thabiso Mohaeka visited the scene. He went to the Vryheid District Hospital afterwards where he assisted by providing food as well as comfort to the learners that were injured. The Vryheid Herald extends its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.