Free State bus crash: Post-mortem for victims as driver remains critical in hospital

The post-mortem examination for the ten people who lost their lives in the deadly Free State bus crash is expected to take place on Friday. 

The accident, which took place at around 3 am on Wednesday on the N6, approximately 15 km south of Reddersburg towards Smithfield, involved a truck and a City to City bus. 

A total of ten people - seven women and three men - lost their lives. A total of 27 people were treated on scene. 

Sipho Towa, District Manager for Free State EMS Control Center said 18 people were discharged from the hospital the same day. 

"Four people were referred to Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital for CT scans and are expected to be discharged shortly, as their injuries are minor.

"Of the five patients admitted to Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital, two have been discharged, while three are awaiting surgery."

Towa said efforts are underway to trace and notify the next of kin, with identification processes beginning soon.

He said the plan is to conduct all post-mortems at the Welkom Government Mortuary on Friday. 

Free State MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi commended officials for their swift response: 

“We commend the swift response and professionalism of our multidisciplinary emergency services under the Road Incident Management System.

"Even in the face of tragedy, we are committed to preserving human dignity. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of the deceased, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured."

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa(PRASA) said the bus involved in the crash belonged to them. 

In a statement PRASA confirmed that among those critically injured was the bus driver. 

"Our thoughts are with the affected passengers and deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.

"While details surrounding the accident are still emerging, PRASA is working closely with authorities to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. We would like to wish the passengers a speedy recovery."

IOL News