BLOEMFONTEIN – There was a fatal accident between an Interstate Bus Line (IBL) and a private-owned truck. The number of confirmed deceased victims remains at ten. The accident occurred on Saturday, 15 November on the notorious N8 road. All are adults: seven men and three women.
In a statement on the accident update, the bus company’s management said victims and their families were receiving assistance. This was done to ensure accurate communication and provide help related to the accident. The head office in Bloemfontein has set up a help desk. It is specifically to assist all affected families and the victims. Families are requested to call contact numbers provided for enquiries relating to the accident.
The company said the survivors currently hospitalised were visited for follow-up on progress. The visits took place at the two Bloemfontein-based hospitals: Braam Fischer Busamed Hospital and the Pelonomi Trauma Hospital. Other survivors were admitted at the Botshabelo Regional Hospital on Saturday. Those still admitted are survivors with critical injuries. Of the survivors, it was reported that 19 suffered minor injuries and five suffered moderate injuries.
The bus involved has been confirmed as number 4075 and was coming from Botshabelo, heading to Bloemfontein. The tragic accident reportedly occurred at approximately 06:35 between Botshabelo and Bloemfontein, near the RRR farming area. The incident resulted in the closure of the two lanes heading into Bloemfontein. The police investigation is under way to determine the cause of the accident. It is suspected that rainy weather conditions may have played a part in the accident.
The public can contact John Nketsi at the help desk on 051 408 7188.
