People who witnessed Ekurhuleni bus crash requested to come forward

JOHANNESBURG - Anyone who may have witnessed the fatal bus crash on the R21 in Ekurhuleni which claimed the lives of 13 people on Tuesday is being requested to come forward.

Eighty-nine people, including the driver, were on board the City of Ekurhuleni bus when it rolled several times after the driver lost control.

Preliminary investigations suggest the driver suddenly braked, resulting in the vehicle spiralling out of control.

Eyewitnesses to Tuesday’s horror crash on the R21 highway in Ekurhuleni are being urged to come forward.

Thirteen people lost their lives when the City of Ekurhuleni bus crashed while transporting passengers from Katlehong to Kempton Park.

Ekurhuleni MMC for Transport, Andile Mngwevu, said that anyone who could shed some light on the incident should come forward with information.

"Thus far, we have not received any news from eyewitnesses. But we still encourage them to come forward if they have seen something to engage with us."

He emphasised that the bus was roadworthy and certified to carry 90 people, 66 seated passengers, including the driver, and 24 standing passengers.

"If we pick up any element that seeks to suggest that our buses are not fit to go in the streets, we stop them, they don’t even go out."

Forty passengers sustained serious injuries, while 37 sustained minor to moderate injuries.