Pretoria bus accident: 29 people injured after driver loses control

A collision between a bus and a truck left almost 30 people injured on Sunday 15 December in Pretoria, after the driver allegedly lost control, causing the bus, along with the luggage trailer to overturn. 

According to SABC News, the collision took place at the bottom of the Eeufees offramp on the N14 national route highway, which runs from Springbok in the Northern Cape to Pretoria in Gauteng.

Details of the bus collision 

Tshwane Fire Department acting district commander Mervyn van Ginkel explained that a bus and truck were involved in the collision when the bus overturned. 

“The bus was carrying 36 people and 29 people have been injured. 28 people were transported to the Tshwane District Hospital while one critically injured woman was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital,” said Ginkel.

“When we arrived on the scene, we see how many people were involved and then prioritise our patients according to their injuries. The most serious patients will get transported first,” added Ginkel.   

A fire engine, command vehicle and various ambulances were deployed to the scene. 

Ginkel explained that police will be investigating whether the drivers were under the influence of alcohol and whether their vehicles were roadworthy.  

Motorists to exercise caution on Gauteng roads 

Since the beginning of the festive season, which wasn’t too long ago, there were a number of fatal accidents on Gauteng roads. 

For this reason, traffic police have called on motorists to exercise caution while driving on the roads and not to drink and drive.

Gauteng Traffic Police Spokesperson Obed Sibasa said: “We have recorded a number of fatal crashes, arrested ‘drinkers’ and speedsters.” 

“A drunk driver of a Honda Civic collided with two pedestrians in Kempton Park. The 33-year-old pedestrian was killed instantly. And the second pedestrian was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. Two fatal hit-and-run incidents were also recorded involving pedestrians,” said Sibasa. 

“More than 100 drinkers were arrested. The highest breath of alcohol recorded was more than ten times above the limit. That is definitely irresponsible. We are continuing with our operations; driving under the influence; driving at a crazy speed; reckless and negligent driving. We are on high alert monitoring all roads. We will deal with lawbreakers,” added Sibasa.