A bus that overturned in the Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape, SOUTH AFRICA
At least 21 people were killed in a bus
accident in the Eastern Cape on Monday, the Road Traffic Management
Corporation (RTMC) has said.
The
bus was travelling on a gravel road near the Tafalofefe Hospital on Monday
morning around 08:00 when it overturned, said RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane.
"The
Marcopolo bus was travelling from Chebe, picking passengers at locations along
the road to Butterworth," he said.
While
the exact cause of the crash was not known, Zwane said the driver reportedly
lost control of the bus in the bushes down a steep area.
The
final number of casualties has yet to be confirmed. Earlier on Monday, Zwane
said 20 people were injured.
Eastern
Cape Department of Health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said they had dispatched
two helicopters and ambulances after hearing about the accident between Mazeppa
Bay and Cebe.
"Because
of the terrain where the accident happened, our helicopters cannot land. Our
ambulances are on the ground while others are on their way to the scene of the
accident."
First
responders reported spotting at least 10 bodies which appeared to have been
thrown from the bus when it rolled.
"We
have instructed hospitals in Mthatha and East London to keep beds unoccupied in
anticipation that those who might be injured will be transferred there. As soon
as the search and rescue mission has been completed, we will keep people
informed as to where they should go to see their loved ones."
The
first passenger to be airlifted to East London was a critically injured
three-year-old boy. – News2
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