Twelve killed as passengers thrown from bus during South African crash
Passengers have been thrown from a bus during a crash on a South African highway, killing at least 12 people and injuring 45, according to emergency services.
Johannesburg emergency crews were trying to lift the bus back onto its wheels on Tuesday to see if any more victims were trapped underneath it, said William Nthladi, a spokesperson for the city’s Ekurhuleni Emergency Management.
“On arrival, we found patients lying across the road,” Mr Nthladi said.
The bodies of some of the victims lay on the highway near the bus and were covered with silver blankets.
Two bodies were still trapped in the wreckage, Mr Nthladi said.
Handbags, a lunch box and a water bottle were visible among the belongings.
The scene of the bus accident on a South African highway. (AFP: Wikus De Wet)
“We are lost for words. This is a disaster,” said Andile Mngwevu, a local city councillor who went to the scene.
“To see so many bodies lying around is quite saddening, and the city really feels for the families who would have expected to see their loved ones return home later today.
“Our hearts are extremely heavy right now.”
The early-morning crash happened on a highway near Johannesburg’s main OR Tambo International Airport.
The bus was left lying on its side near the edge of the highway.
It had been transporting people from the township of Katlehong, east of Johannesburg, officials said.
Mr Nthladi said paramedics declared 12 people dead at the scene of the crash.
Mr Nthladi said he could not provide exact details about the injuries to the other passengers but said they ranged from serious to critical.
The driver was among those taken to the hospital.
No other vehicle was involved in the crash and officials were not yet able to determine the cause.
AP
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