Update: 4 killed, 18 injured in fuel tanker and Eldo Coaches bus crash near East London

Four people have been killed and at least 18 others injured when a fuel tanker and an Eldo Coaches bus collided head-on on the N2 between East London and Kei Bridge near Kwelera in the Eastern Cape on Monday morning.

The tanker truck, which was transporting diesel at the time of collision, burst into flames while the bus overturned.

Initial reports suggested two people had been killed but after authorities removed the bus they discovered two more bodies.

The Eastern Cape transport department said the N2 between Mthatha and East London has been closed due to the crash.

According to Eastern Cape transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose, the truck transporting diesel caught fire after colliding with the bus.

He said the long-distance bus had been travelling towards East London when the accident happened.

Initially two people were confirmed dead.  

Binqose said: “The death toll has now climbed to four. Two more bodies were found when they removed the bus. Among the deceased is the co-driver of that bus.” 

It’s reported that both the truck and bus drivers died in the crash.

At least 18 people were injured and rushed to Frere Hospital.

“Search, rescue and recovery personnel remain on the scene to check if there aren’t any more survivors trapped in the wreckage, or anything else they may have missed,” Binqose said.

He said the road was closed in both directions, and traffic was being diverted along the Lilifontein old farm road.

“Motorists travelling towards the N2 are advised to follow alternative diverted routes following a serious accident this morning.”

Binqose said they were still investigating the cause of the accident.

Read also: Eldo Coaches allegedly fails to pay salaries due to costs of breakdowns

Look at the aftermath of the horrific crash below.