Ten people lost their lives in a head-on collision between a bus and a truck on the N6 in Free State early this morning, March 6. The accident took place at around 4 o’clock this morning, between Reddersburg and Smithfield. The City-to-City bus is reported to have been carrying 35 passengers when it collied with a truck travelling between Gauteng and Eastern Cape.
Authorities and emergency personnel were quick to respond to the scene, working together to rescue passengers and provide medical assistance.
Emergency services say that 10 people died on the scene, six women, three men, and a two-year-old girl. More than 31 passengers were injured and were rushed to nearby hospitals in Bloemfontein and Smithfield. Both drivers of the vehicles, the bus and the truck, survived the crash.
A witness and a survivor of the crash, at the Smithfield hospital, explained what they saw. She explains that the truck switched lanes to their side and faced them, oncoming. She says when the bus driver tried to swerve out of the way, the truck collided with the right side of the bus. Some of them were able to flee from the bus, while others unfortunately were unable to. The witness explained, still visibly in shock.
The N6 had to close down for a couple of hours due to the severity of the crash, and road users had to use alternate routes while the accident scene cleared.
Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads & Transport, Jabu Mbalula paid a visit to the 22 patients admitted at the Smithfield hospital, including the drivers.
“We say to drivers, both of light vehicles and heavy vehicles. Please let’s obey the rules of the road. When you are travelling long distance, after two hours, take some rest,” Mbalula pleads with drivers.
Mbalula further conveyed his sincerest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the crash.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened. The drivers have given their statement, and the police are investigating the cause of the crash.
