Confirmed: 10 fatalities in tragic R34 bus accident

Transport MEC Siboniso Duma confirms there were 10 fatalities – revised from 12 – from the tragic accident on the R34 between Vryheid and Ulundi early this morning (Tuesday).

“First and foremost, we wish to express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this morning’s horrific accident involving a truck and a bus on the R34, Vryheid,” said Duma, after visiting the scene.

“I have also personally conveyed our sympathies to Marshall Dlamini, the secretary-general of the EFF. Innocent lives have been lost, and the lives of many families have been altered and turned upside down.”

Duma said he inspected the scene of the accident, witnessing the trail of destruction left behind.

“Reduced visibility in the early hours of the morning and dismembered body parts resulted in miscalculation by RTI and emergency personnel,” said Duma.

After Duma’s interaction with Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and SAPS, the following was confirmed: 10 dead – 3 women and 7 men; 33 victims able to walk; 33 injured but not critical; two critical.

“We have visited mortuaries and hospitals. The bodies of the deceased have been moved to Dundee Mortuary. The truck and bus drivers are alive and in hospitals.”

Investigation

Duma said the SAPS and Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the cause of the accident, having received conflicting versions about what happened from the survivors.

“There are allegations that the bus driver tried to overtake. Other survivors have alleged that the bus driver fell asleep at the wheel. We do not want to speculate at this stage. We are confident that the investigation will shed light.

“We have in the past expressed our concerns about accidents involving trucks. Trucks are not supposed to be on this road in the first place and should be using the N2. Many innocent lives have been lost as a result of a huge number of trucks on our roads.

“We have been informed by Transnet that in the 2024 financial year, over 303 000 trucks used the Port of Richards Bay, averaging nearly 6 000 per week. It has been stated that the port’s infrastructure was originally designed for a much smaller volume of trucks, approximately 200 per day.

“We continue to receive briefings from Transport Minister Barbra Creecy about efforts to resuscitate the rail network. Working with national government, we are doubling our efforts to ensure we strengthen plans to move cargo from road to rail,” said Duma.

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