RTMC sends experts to Free State bus accident scene
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has sent accident reconstruction experts to the scene of the bus crash in the Free State where 11 people have died and scores injured today.
The accident took place between Winburg and Ventersburg as the bus carrying ANC supporters was busy returning home after the party's election Manifesto Launch in Port Elizabeth.
The official death toll has been confirmed as 11 after more passengers were found underneath the bus.
Another 59 passengers have been injured, with about 20 people sustaining serious injuries with one more person being in critical condition. Another 38 people had minor injuries.
“The RTMC will be working with other law enforcement authorities in the province to investigate the cause of the crash,” the RTMC said in a statement.
So far the deceased passengers have not been identified.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane sent their condolences to families of the deceased.
“Sympathies are also extended to those who have been injured and to the ANC as a whole, especially the Gauteng province and Ekurhuleni regional leadership.”
According to a statement by the Free State MEC for Health, Benny Malakoane, the bus was travelling from Port Elizabeth, where supporters joined the launch at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium, to Ekurhuleni.
"Fatigue is suspected to be the main possible cause of the accident as all tyres are found to be intact," the Free State Department of Health said in a statement on their Facebook page.
"The driver is not divulging any info about the cause. However, fatigue is strongly suspected as the bus went off the road and rolled."
ANC national spokesperson, Zizi Kodwa, said in a statement that the party is saddened by the news of the accident.
"The ANC is still clarifying details about the accident and will issue further details once all pertinent information has been verified. Our thoughts are with the injured and bereaved at this time."
UPDATE: Officials have confirmed that 10 people were killed in the crash and not 11 as initially reported.
(Photo: Supplied)