The drivers of the truck and bus that were involved in a collision on the N6 between Reddersburg and Smithfield in Free State, that claimed the lives of ten people while injuring over 20, survived.
The horrific crash happened at approximately 4:20 on Wednesday, 5 March, when a bus carrying 35 passengers and a truck collided. Ten people – a two-year-old girl, six women, and three men – died at the scene.
BUS AND TRUCK DRIVERS SURVIVE FREE STATE HORROR CRASH
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in Free State Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said following the crash, emergency services responded swiftly.
Five passengers with serious injuries were transported to hospitals in Bloemfontein, while 22 injured passengers received treatment at the Stoffel Coetzee Hospital in Smithfield.
Makhele said preliminary reports indicate that the bus was traveling in the direction of Reddersburg towards Smithfield, while the truck was heading in the opposite direction.
“The collision was a side-swipe head-on impact. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, and a case of culpable homicide has been opened,” Makhele said.
MOTORISTS URGED TO USE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES?
As previously reported, the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport said a total road closure was in effect, and alternative routes had been provided to divert traffic.
For those traveling from Reddersburg, traffic was diverted to the R717 towards Edenburg (27 km), then to the N1 to Springfontein (69.5 km), and finally taking the R715 to Smithfield (103 km) to re-join the N6.
For travellers from Smithfield, the alternative route is to take the R715 to Springfontein, then the N1 to Bloemfontein (140 km).
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE DONE TO IMPROVE SAFETY ON SOUTH AFRICAN ROADS?
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