Families are mourning the loss of three lives in a horrific crash on the D2296 between Karino and Mbombela this morning, August 12.
The collision involving a midibus, a bakkie and an articulated truck is suspected to have been caused by unsafe overtaking.
The midibus was transporting pupils to various schools in Mbombela while the driver and a passenger of the bakkie, a white Nissan NP200, were female Transnet employees returning from their night shift. These two and a pupil on the bus were the three fatalities.
“I was totally shocked. It’s a terrible experience for us as a family … I’m lost for words,” said Peter Maiwashe, who’s sister-in-law was in the NP200.
ALSO READ: BREAKING NEWS: 3 dead, including pupil, in KaNyamazane accident
It has since emerged that there were no safety belts on the bus to keep the pupils strapped in.
Emer-G-Med’s Martin Jeffrey said 29 people, including the driver of the midibus and 28 pupils, sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, voiced his concern over the number of crashes involving school pupils. He said it was an indication that there was a problem that needed to be dealt with urgently. “We cannot continue losing young innocent people on our roads due to recklessness. This must just come to an end,” he said.
ALSO READ: Grief-stricken mourners honour children during memorial service
He also sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished those in hospital a speedy recovery.
The scene has been cleared and the road is open to traffic again.
@lowvelder WATCH: Peter Maiwashe, a family member of one of the deceased, explains how they feel about the accident that occurred on the KaNyamanzane Road this morning, August 12. Video: Tumelo Waga Dibakwane Photos: Sihle Nyakane Caraccident Truckaccident Vehicleaccident Accident Kanyamazane Mpumalanga Nelspruit Mbombela
@lowvelder UPDATE | The spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Moeti Mmusi, addressed the media regarding the accident that occurred this morning on the KaNyamazane Road. There was a multiple-vehicle accident involving a truck, school bus and bakkie. Twenty-nine patients were transported to Rob Ferreira Hospital. Three people have died. Lowvelder is on the scene and will update its readers as soon as more information becomes available. Video: Tumelo Waga Dibakwane Photos: Sihle Nyakane Caraccident Truckaccident Vehicleaccident Accident Kanyamazane Mpumalanga Nelspruit Mbombela
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