CORRECTION

It has been brought to our attention that the information in the article is incorrect.

The accident occurred in Zambia not in Thohoyandou as previously reported. Information we received from a police informant led us to believe that the accident happened in Thohoyandou.

After further investigation it was found that the police informant who supplied us with the information, was not a police spokesperson at the Thohoyandou Police Station. We regret the error.

LIMPOPO – 11 people were killed and 15 critically injured when a truck and a bus, carrying 40 passengers collided on the Venda Main Road in Thohoyandou, yesterday morning.

According to Thohoyandou Police station spokesperson, Constable Asa Maimela, it is not known as yet how the accident occurred.

Reports suggest the truck driver had been experiencing problems with the vehicle while driving. However, while attempting to move into the emergency lane, before he could stop the vehicle, he crashed into the bus.

“Both the bus and truck drivers are critically injured and are currently in a coma at the Thohoyandou hospital,” says Maimela.

“Bodies were found lying in and on the side of the road, in the grass when we arrived. Some bodies and faces were unrecognisable.”

Maimela says they always try to warn motorists to drive safe, check their blinds spots before and when overtaking, but he says most drivers choose to ignore those road warning instructions and says that is how most accidents occur. “Drivers do not check their blind spots or they use their mobile devices while driving,” he said.

Maimela explained that emergency personnel had to use Jaws of Life to remove the driver from the bus, after the collision left him trapped.

“A case of reckless and negligent driving has since been opened by Thohoyandou community members and some bus passengers and it will be investigated further.”

anne@nmgroup.co.za