Tugela bus crash probe to look into excessive speeding, fatigue
Senior experts have been roped in for high-level investigations into the disastrous bus crash near the Tugela River.
Nine people were killed, including a baby, when the Eldo Coaches vehicle veered off the N3 near the Bergville off-ramp on Tuesday.
The bus left Durban Station in the morning and was travelling to Johannesburg.
The front right tyre apparently burst before the crash.
The Department of Transport's Kwanele Ncalane says 53 passengers who suffered serious injuries were taken to facilities nearby.
"At this stage, we are investigating the cause of the accident. However, we are looking at the issue of excessive speeding. We are also looking at the issue of fatigue. We have commissioned an investigation lead by a high team of experts."
He's appealed to families get in touch with the Eldo Coaches.
"We urge the families to also liaise with the company, Eldo Coaches, so that if you know, there was your relative that was leaving Durban to Johannesburg, but you are unable to reach them, you are able to get assisted in terms of locating them."
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says he's shocked and saddened by what's happened.
"Many of our people depend on public transport to travel long distances across the country," says spokesperson Lawrence Venkile.
"This crash heightens their anxiety as we approach the festive season, leaving families with a heavy burden of burying loved ones lost in this tragic manner."
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