A tragic bus crash occurred yesterday, Sunday the 1st of September 2024, on the N1 north near Mokopane just before the Nyl Plaza, claiming the lives of five people, including the bus driver.
A witness who was on the scene has shed light on the terrifying ordeal, describing how a front tyre burst led to the catastrophic accident.
The eyewitness, who was travelling towards Pretoria when the incident occurred, recounted how he noticed the bus suddenly veering off course after its right front tyre burst.
“I saw the bus start to swerve uncontrollably towards me,” he said. “I had to drastically reduce my speed to avoid crashing into it. The driver must have lost control completely because the bus crossed the oncoming lanes and went straight into a few trees before eventually tipping over onto its side.”
The impact of the crash was severe, with the bus coming to rest on its driver’s side, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Emergency services were quick to respond, but the scene they arrived to was grim. It was discovered that the bus driver and four passengers had died in the crash.
The witness added that the force of the collision was so intense that it tore the axles off the bus.
“It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The whole front part of the bus was smashed in, and the axles were completely detached from the vehicle,” he shared.
Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the tyre burst and whether any other factors may have contributed to the accident.
Last week, 13 people died when cross-border bus from Zimbabwe was involved in an accident in Limpopo.
Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.
Authorities have urged motorists to remain cautious on the roads, especially when driving on long-distance routes like the N1.
More updates will follow as the investigation continues.
