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35 Killed in Three Bus Crashes in Six Days on South African Roads

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35 Killed in Three Bus Crashes in Six Days on South African Roads

Tragic Week on South African Roads

South Africa has witnessed a devastating series of bus accidents, claiming the lives of 35 people and injuring over 155 others within just six days. The crashes occurred in the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng between March 5 and March 11, 2025. The alarming rise in fatal road accidents has raised concerns about road safety across the country.

First Deadly Crash in Free State

The tragic events began on March 5, when a bus and a truck collided head-on along the N6 between Reddersburg and Springfield, just outside Bloemfontein. The crash, which occurred at around 3:50 AM, resulted in the deaths of 10 people. Emergency services reported that at least 30 individuals were injured, with seven in critical condition. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.

KwaZulu-Natal Bus Plunge Kills Nine

Just a few days later, on March 9, another horrific crash took place on the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal. A bus carrying members of the Twelve Apostles Church in Trinity from Richards Bay to Shakaskraal suffered a tire burst, causing the driver to lose control. The bus veered off the road and plunged down a steep embankment. Initially, eight fatalities were reported, including a four-year-old child. The death toll later rose to nine, with nearly 80 people injured, many in critical condition.

Gauteng Crash Claims 16 Lives

The most deadly of the three accidents occurred on March 11 in Gauteng. A bus lost control and jackknifed on the R21/R24 highway in Johannesburg, overturning multiple times before coming to a stop on its side. The crash killed 12 people instantly, with four more succumbing to their injuries in the hospital. At least 45 others sustained injuries, some severe. Reports indicate that several passengers were ejected from the vehicle during the accident.

Authorities Call for Urgent Road Safety Measures

Traffic officials and road safety organizations have expressed deep concern over the alarming number of fatalities. The Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa attributed these tragedies largely to poor driver behavior, emphasizing the need for stricter law enforcement and road safety initiatives.

“The AA is devastated by every life lost on our roads because each one represents a family member, friend, or loved one. Unless all road users, including drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians, take accountability, the road safety crisis will persist,” the association stated.

The AA has called for stricter traffic regulations, improved road conditions, and dedicated bus lanes to prevent further accidents. Additionally, they urged communities, faith-based organizations, and law enforcement to collaborate in advocating for safer roads.

KZN Transport MEC Announces Road Safety Campaign

In response to the increasing fatalities, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, has announced the launch of an Easter Weekend Road Safety campaign. The initiative will include a wreath-laying ceremony and interfaith prayers to remember the victims and raise awareness about responsible driving.

Previous Tragedies Raise Further Concerns

The latest crashes follow a similar tragic accident in January when a bus transporting Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe) congregants crashed and caught fire in KwaZulu-Natal. One person was killed, and 54 others sustained injuries. Initial investigations pointed to possible brake failure as a cause.

With these repeated tragedies, South Africa faces a growing road safety crisis that demands immediate action. Authorities are now under pressure to implement stricter regulations and improve road infrastructure to prevent further loss of life.

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