Nine people killed in HORRIFIC bus crash on the N3 Heidelburg

Nine people died in a horrific accident when the bus they were travelling in crashed off a bridge near the N3 Die Hoek Toll Plaza in Heidelburg, Mpumalanga on Sunday morning.

At least another 60 were left with injuries ranging from minor to critical injuries.  

SEVERAL PASSENGERS TRAPPED INSIDE THE BUS

Paramedics arrived at the scene and found a bus on its roof on the side of the road. Several passengers were found seated near the bus.

“A number of the passengers had already climbed out of the crashed bus and were now seated near the vehicle, while several others still lay trapped inside,”

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said.

Paramedics set up a triage area and began to tend to the patients. 

While assessing the people paramedics found at least six people had sustained fatal injuries while approximately sixty people had sustained minor to critical injuries.

“Further medical resources were called to the scene, including several medical helicopters to help assess, treat and transport the patients.

“Rescue and Fire Services worked at the scene, to free some patients who were trapped inside the bus. They treated the patients and provided the critically injured with advanced life support before they were transported to nearby hospitals,”

explained Meiring.

He said the exact details surrounding this incident are unknown, but local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.

THREE MORE PEOPLE DIED FROM THE BUS CRASH

Meanwhile, three other people have since died after the initial reports of six people dying in the bus crash this morning. 

Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said the bus lost control, leading it to overturn in a stream before hitting a bridge.

The cause of the crash remains unclear at this stage. However, the crash investigation teams have already been dispatched to the scene to commence the probe.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, notes with a deep sense of regret unabated loss of life on our roads as a result of crashes. 

“More details will be made available later. We are therefore appealing to motorists to use the road with greater caution. This needless loss of lives must come to an end. We must all actively participate in preventing these deadly crashes,”

said Shongwe.

He has also wished those who have been injured a speedy recovery and sends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

ALSO READ: Baby found crying HYSTERICALLY on murdered mother’s body