Cape Town to Idutywa bus crash claims 16 lives

Sixteen people have died after a bus travelling from Cape Town to Idutywa in the Eastern Cape overturned on the N1 near Gulfstream Garage in the Western Cape in the early hours of Thursday morning.

According to the National Department of Transport, the bus was carrying 78 passengers, including children, when the crash occurred.

Twenty passengers sustained injuries and were transported to Worcester Hospital for treatment, while 43 others reportedly refused medical treatment.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa expressed their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

The ministers have directed the Road Accident Fund to assist affected families and injured passengers with the necessary support.

They have also instructed the Road Traffic Management Corporation to investigate the cause of the crash together with local authorities. A preliminary investigation report is expected within 48 hours.