The accident happened at about 10 pm on Saturday night just outside Upington.
ONE PERSON was killed while another seven were treated for injuries after a bus transporting ANC supporters from the party’s 108th birthday celebrations in Kimberley, was involved in a head-on collision with a Toyota Corolla on Saturday night.
The accident happened at about 10 pm on Saturday night just outside Upington. The bus was travelling in the direction of Keimoes and Kalksloot.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Mohale Ramatseba, said the Toyota was heading towards Upington and confirmed that the driver of the vehicle, who was an off duty police captain stationed at the Upington police station, was killed in the accident.
According to Ramatseba both vehicles caught fire shortly after the collision while the Corolla’s driver had to be removed from the wreck with Jaws of Life.
“The passengers on the bus managed to get off before it went up in flames,” said Ramatseba.
The injured passengers were transported to the Harry Surtie Hospital for treatment. They suffered only minor injuries.
He added that the cause of the accident remains unknown.
MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison in the Northern Cape, Nontobeko Vilakazi, expressed her heartfelt condolences to family members and friends of the police officer.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life of one of our officers even though we cannot, at this point, determine all the circumstances surrounding the crash,” said Vilakazi.
The MEC also expressed her relief that the passengers of the bus sustained only minor injuries.
She cautioned all motorists to be vigilant, especially during holidays and when major events occur. She emphasised caution on the roads around these times due to the increase in the volume of road users.
“This means that we need to drive with extra courtesy and care. We also need to drive respectfully, with due consideration to other road users and abide by all the rules of the road,” concluded Vilakazi.
– Boipelo Mere
