BLOEMFONTEIN – Two people who sustained severe injuries during the fatal N8 crash involving an Interstate Bus Line (IBL) vehicle and a privately-owned truck on 15 November, have had life-changing leg amputation surgeries. Each has underwent leg amputation surgery.
The two survivors are currently in the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein for ongoing medical treatment. The pair are among five survivors admitted to the hospital for medical treatment. The confirmed death toll is 11, after one person who was admitted to Pelonomi’s intensive care unit (ICU) succumbed to her injuries on 17 November. She was among six people with severe injuries admitted for medical treatment at this state hospital in Bloemfontein.
Gopolang Monnatlale, IBL’s stakeholder relations officer, confirmed that five survivors with serious injuries were still in the hospital. He also confirmed that the bus driver, along with two other survivors, had been discharged from the Bram Fischer Busamed Hospital.
A group of 21 survivors who were treated for minor injuries at the Botshabelo Regional Hospital were released the same day as the accident.
Monnatlale confirmed that the affected families had identified the deceased at the state mortuary, adding that the bus company’s management team was in constant contact with them. He said the company was continuing with its post-accident intervention programme for affected families. Interventions include assistance with ex-gratia benefits claims, funeral arrangements, and visits to survivors currently hospitalised to follow up on their progress towards recovery.
It is reported that the bus and truck were traveling in the same direction toward Bloemfontein when the accident occurred at approximately 06:35 near the RRR farming area. Human error has been highlighted as a factor in the tragic accident. Road conditions are still deemed very good, despite rainfall on the day of the accident.
A police investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the accident.
