Saved from the ‘burning’ bus
An early morning bus drama on the corner of Genl Maritz and Genl Viljoen Streets left several commuters injured and traumatised when they broke the windows of the bus and jumped out of what they thought was a burning bus yesterday (Wednesday) morning.
POLOKWANE – An early morning bus drama on the corner of Genl Maritz and Genl Viljoen Streets left several commuters injured and traumatised when they broke the windows of the bus and jumped out of what they thought was a burning bus yesterday (Wednesday) morning.
According to eye witnesses, steam was coming from the front of the bus due to the radiator overheating. The passengers, seeing this, assumed it was smoke and went into a panic. Desperate to flee from the “fire”, they started forcing and breaking windows open to escape. Several passengers went into shock and sustained minor injuries, but according to emergency medical personnel at the scene, there were no serious injuries. As a precaution, some passengers were taken by ambulance to hospital for check-ups. Nicolene van der Bergh, who lives right opposite where the incident occurred said she heard a commotion at around 06:30. Upon investigating, she saw screaming people jump through the windows of what looked to her like a burning bus.
Van der Bergh was one of the people who assisted the shaken commuters with water, blankets and words of comfort.
Early morning traffic was regulated by traffic officials and the scene drew many onlookers.
