Bus crash: First driver arrested
He was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.
IN a bizarre twist, it has come to light that the original driver of the bus which crashed last Sunday, killing nine people, was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol. Transport MEC Willies Mchunu said the driver had been taken to Nongoma SAPS and charged. A replacement driver was found and the bus, destined for Umzumbe, was allowed to continue on its way. The bus belongs to Malundi bus services, based in Port Shepstone.
Initial reports stated that the replacement driver, Menzi Bhengu (23) died on his way to Ngwelezane Hospital in Empangeni.
However at a prayer meeting at the uMalalazi council chamber in Eshowe the MEC stated that Bhengu was still fighting for his life. The death toll now stands at nine with seven girls and two guardians having lost their lives.
The MEC said that Mr Bhenguwas one of the 13 people who sustained serious injuries and were taken to the Eshowe and Ngwelezane hospitals. He added that 25 other passengers were slightly injured and 17 were treated for shock. It is suspected that the bus may have been speeding at the time of the accident.
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THE 10 people who lost their lives in a tragic bus accident near Nkwalini in Zululand yesterday (Sunday, September 1) are thought to be from the Umzumbe area.
The bus was carrying people returning from the Reed Dance ceremony at the Nyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma just after 5pm when the driver is believed to have lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash into the steel armaco barriers on the side of the road.
According to reports, seven girls, two women and the driver of the bus were killed in the accident. A further 62 people were injured. Investigations have begun into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Cases of culpable homicide and negligent and reckless driving have been opened.
