The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Transport has announced a full investigation into a horrific bus crash on the R102 near oThongathi, north of Durban, which left three commuters dead and 15 others injured.
The accident occurred on Tuesday morning just after 6:00 AM when the bus, transporting workers from Berbies to a local factory, veered off the road, crashed through a bridge barrier, and plummeted approximately 50 meters down an embankment, landing near the Pongati River.
Fatalities and Rescue Efforts
Three passengers were declared dead at the scene, while six others sustained serious injuries and nine suffered minor injuries. Emergency services, including Metro Police, firefighters, and the K9 unit, worked for hours to free a trapped commuter who was later rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Local residents watched as rescue teams recovered victims from the wreckage. Authorities confirmed that all injured passengers had been transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Allegations of Speeding and Negligence
Preliminary reports suggest that speeding and possible brake failure may have contributed to the crash. The bus driver, who was also injured, remains under police guard in the hospital as part of standard procedure in fatal accident investigations.
“We must verify whether recklessness or negligence played a role,” said a transport official. “The driver’s condition, vehicle permits, and roadworthiness will all be scrutinized.”
Community Outcry Over Bridge Safety
Residents claim they had repeatedly reported the deteriorating condition of the bridge to authorities but received no action.
“This is not the first accident here,” said one local. “We warned officials long ago, but nothing was done.”
Traffic Disruptions and Recovery
The R102 was temporarily closed, causing significant delays during peak-hour traffic. A breakdown vehicle was deployed to recover the wreckage as authorities worked to clear the scene.
The KZN Transport Department has vowed to conduct a thorough probe into the cause of the crash while addressing broader concerns about road safety in the area.