A horrific bus-truck crash on the R34 near Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal, left at least 12 people dead and 32 others hospitalised.
The crash occurred just after midnight on Tuesday 17 June 2025.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, the truck struck the left front corner of the bus and ripped through its side.
Among the injured were the drivers of both vehicles, while six passengers escaped unharmed.
Victims Were Returning from Youth Day Rally
Preliminary reports suggest the bus was transporting attendees from a Youth Day political rally.
Officials have not confirmed the group’s political affiliation, but investigations are under way.
Emergency personnel found 10 passengers dead at the scene. Emergency personnel took their remains to the Vryheid mortuary.
By 2am, authorities were still attending the scene, and by 5am, two more people had died from their injuries, increasing the death toll to 12.
Authorities Launch Full Investigation
Transport MEC Siboniso Duma’s spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, confirmed that the department had launched a full investigation in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation and the South African Police Service.
“Based on the report from the Road Traffic Inspectorate, after the head-on collision, the truck struck the side of the bus,” Sibiya said.
“We are working with all relevant agencies to establish whether the bus was transporting political party supporters,” he added.
What steps can we take to improve road safety and prevent such tragic accidents?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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