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15 March 2024
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13 people killed in tragic collision between truck and bus at Hex River Pass, De Doorns, Western Cape
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13 people, including children, died in a bus crash at the Hex River Pass near De Doorns in the Western Cape on Saturday afternoon, 9 March 2024. A coach belonging to Simplex Bus Company collided with a haulage truck. The bus was carrying 60 people from Zimbabwe to Cape Town. Western Cape Mobility MEC Ricardo Mackenzie said the bus driver lost control and hit a truck before crashing into the rock wall of the pass. “Thirteen people died and [others suffered] multiple injuries, including seven patients in critical condition who were hospitalised,” said Mackenzie.
SA Trucker reported, “Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, where survivors were rushed to Worcester Hospital for urgent medical attention. The extent of their injuries varied, with some in critical condition, fighting for their lives. The cause of the accident is not known at the moment, however, authorities have since launched investigations into the tragic crash.”
There are fears that the death toll will rise as some of the 26 were seriously injured. The driver died on the spot after he reportedly tried to jump out of the bus.
Zimbabwe’s consul general in Cape Town, Ms Esther Mudambo, said more details of the accident would be availed in due course.
The injured have since been ferried to Noodsentrum Hospital in the Western Cape.
The area’s Provincial Minister of Mobility, Mr Ricardo Mackenzie, extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the loved ones,” he told SABC News. “I wish a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. I also want to thank the dedicated teams who responded to these tragic incidents, working long hours under difficult circumstances.”
Zimbabwe Passengers Transport Organisation chairman, Dr Samson Nhanhanga, said they were saddened by the loss of lives of the passengers. “We mourn with the grieving families who lost mostly their breadwinners and, as an association, we have dispatched a team of people to South Africa who are helping the police to make sure that the injured get medical assistance,” said Dr Nhanhanga. “We are also in constant touch with the bereaved families in consoling them and making sure all the necessary paperwork is done. The association will also continue to update Zimbabweans on any development. At the same time, we continue to urge our crews to be responsible and obey the rules of the road all the time to save lives.”
Also on Friday, a crash involving a car, a bakkie, and a bus on the N1 between Prince Albert and Laingsburg killed five people. One person was seriously injured, while none of the 39 passengers on the bus were hurt.
Sources: SA Trucker, News 24, Zim Eye, IOL
SA Trucker reported, “Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, where survivors were rushed to Worcester Hospital for urgent medical attention. The extent of their injuries varied, with some in critical condition, fighting for their lives. The cause of the accident is not known at the moment, however, authorities have since launched investigations into the tragic crash.”
There are fears that the death toll will rise as some of the 26 were seriously injured. The driver died on the spot after he reportedly tried to jump out of the bus.
Zimbabwe’s consul general in Cape Town, Ms Esther Mudambo, said more details of the accident would be availed in due course.
The injured have since been ferried to Noodsentrum Hospital in the Western Cape.
The area’s Provincial Minister of Mobility, Mr Ricardo Mackenzie, extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the loved ones,” he told SABC News. “I wish a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. I also want to thank the dedicated teams who responded to these tragic incidents, working long hours under difficult circumstances.”
Zimbabwe Passengers Transport Organisation chairman, Dr Samson Nhanhanga, said they were saddened by the loss of lives of the passengers. “We mourn with the grieving families who lost mostly their breadwinners and, as an association, we have dispatched a team of people to South Africa who are helping the police to make sure that the injured get medical assistance,” said Dr Nhanhanga. “We are also in constant touch with the bereaved families in consoling them and making sure all the necessary paperwork is done. The association will also continue to update Zimbabweans on any development. At the same time, we continue to urge our crews to be responsible and obey the rules of the road all the time to save lives.”
Also on Friday, a crash involving a car, a bakkie, and a bus on the N1 between Prince Albert and Laingsburg killed five people. One person was seriously injured, while none of the 39 passengers on the bus were hurt.
Sources: SA Trucker, News 24, Zim Eye, IOL