Thirteen Zimbabweans were killed and 26 others injured when the Simplex Bus Company bus they were traveling in collided with a transport truck on the N1 highway near the Hicks River Gorge in the Western Cape, South Africa.
The accident occurred on Saturday evening and indications are that the bus was traveling from Harare to Cape Town.
According to South African media reports, the accident occurred about 130 kilometers before the passengers could reach their destination.
The driver died instantly after trying to jump off the bus.
“Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, with survivors being taken to Worcester Hospital to receive urgent medical care. The extent of their injuries varied, with some in a critical condition, fighting for their lives, an SA truck driver said last night.
He added: “The cause of the accident is not yet known, but the authorities have since begun investigations into the tragic accident.”
The Consul General of Zimbabwe in Cape Town, Ms. Esther Mudambo, confirmed the incident, saying more details would be available in due course.
The injured have since been transferred to Noodsentrum Hospital in the Western Cape.
The Regional Minister of Transport for the region, Mr. Ricardo McKenzie, extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
“My heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of the 11 people who died in two separate road accidents in our province yesterday,” he told SABC News.
“I wish a speedy and complete recovery for those injured. I would also like to thank the dedicated teams that responded to these tragic incidents and worked long hours under difficult circumstances.”
Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organization (ZPTO) Chairman, Mr Samson Nhanhanga, also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the organisation.
He said ZPTO was saddened by the loss of passengers’ lives.
The organization sent a team to South Africa to assist the victims and bereaved families with the necessary compassionate assistance.
“We grieve with the bereaved families who have lost most of their breadwinners and, as an association, we have sent a team of people to South Africa to help the police ensure that the injured get medical assistance,” Mr Nhanhanga said.
“We are also in constant contact with the bereaved families to console them and ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed.
“The Federation will also continue to update Zimbabweans on any developments. At the same time, we continue to urge our crews to be responsible and adhere to the rules of the road at all times to save lives.” Chromicle
