TOUWS RIVER – A fatal bus crash on the N1 Touws River, approximately 80 kilometres from Worcester, has claimed the lives of 16 passengers.

According to Maxine Bezuidenhout, Chief Director of Traffic Management in the Western Cape, the accident occurred around 00:40 on Thursday morning (2 July) when the bus driver allegedly lost control and the vehicle overturned.

The bus was carrying 73 passengers, all believed to be South African residents.

By 07:30, 16 passengers, including three children, were confirmed dead, while two sustained serious injuries.

Although the bus is off the roadway, a stop-and-go system is in place for emergency vehicles to operate.

Bezuidenhout says emergency services remain on scene, providing assistance and managing the incident.

“We urge motorists travelling through the area to exercise caution, be patient, and expect delays as emergency and recovery operations continue.”

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.