At least 13 dead in horrific bus crash at Touws River

Thirteen people have been killed and 31 injured in a bus crash near Touws River in the Western Cape.

Confirming the death toll‚ Western Cape MEC for transport and public works Donald Grant said that the bus‚ carrying 64 passengers‚ had overturned on the N1 just outside the town at about 2am on Sunday morning.

It was travelling in the direction of Cape Town.

“The scenes at the site of the crash have been described as ‘chaotic’‚ with many bodies believed to have been ejected from the bus at the time of the crash‚” he said.

He added that the cause of the crash was not yet known. Provincial Traffic Services‚ together with the South African Police Service (SAPS)‚ were currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. There were no other vehicles involved in the crash.

The injured were immediately rushed to Worcester Hospital to receive treatment‚ Grant said. He added that the N1 had since been reopened to traffic.

“On behalf of the Western Cape Government‚ I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the 13 people who suffered this unnecessary and premature demise‚ and wish the injured a speedy recovery‚” Grant said.

He added that his department would assist the SAPS in their investigation‚ and would continue to work tirelessly‚ in partnership with the citizens of the Western Cape‚ to make the province’s roads safer.

“It is in times like these that we are reminded that the deaths occuring on our roads are not only tragic and unfortunate‚ but are entirely avoidable through responsible road use‚ and complete adherence to the rules of the road.”