Worcester – A devastating bus accident on the N1 near Worcester has cast a pall over the start of the festive season, claiming the lives of eight people, six of whom were children. The accident, which occurred on Sunday morning, also left 22 others injured and fighting for their lives in various hospitals.
The horrific incident unfolded at approximately 7.15 am near Roux Park on the N1 highway, according to Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku. He confirmed that the bus, travelling from the Eastern Cape to Cape Town, overturned, resulting in the tragic loss of life and numerous injuries. "Initial reports indicate that the bus was travelling from the Eastern Cape to Cape Town when it overturned," Sileku stated, highlighting the devastating impact of the accident.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, with multiple teams working tirelessly to manage the aftermath. "Emergency response teams were promptly dispatched to the scene, including the Provincial Traffic Services, Breede Valley Fire Department, Provincial EMS, Worcester SAPS, Priority Care, ER24, and Forensic Services," Sileku explained, detailing the coordinated effort to assist victims.
These teams worked with urgency to provide medical attention to the injured and recover the deceased. The severity of the accident necessitated the temporary closure of the N1 near Roux Park to ensure the safety of emergency personnel and facilitate efficient operations. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes.
The Breede Valley Municipality's Fire Department played a crucial role in the rescue operation. Spokesperson John Bulani described the scene upon arrival: “On arrival they found the bus lying on its side with multiple patients trapped on the inside and multiple patients on the outside. EMS was already on scene upon arrival. The fire department crews assisted with patient care and to free the trapped patients from inside and under the bus,” he reported, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by rescue workers.
Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, confirmed that Worcester police are investigating a case of culpable homicide. "Worcester police responded to a complaint on Sunday morning, and upon arrival on the N1 highway direction Cape Town at around 7.10am, they found a bus involved in a motor vehicle accident. Eight victims were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. At this stage rescue workers are hard at work to free all the victims,” Swartbooi stated, confirming the grim toll of the accident and the ongoing rescue efforts.
The Western Cape government expressed its profound sorrow and offered support to those affected. MEC Sileku expressed his condolences: “This is a heartbreaking incident, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives. We also wish a full and speedy recovery to those injured.”
He also stressed the importance of road safety, particularly during the busy holiday season, urging all road users to exercise caution. “This is a heartbreaking incident, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives. We also wish a full and speedy recovery to those injured,” he reiterated, emphasizing the need for preventative measures. He added, “Let us work together to prevent further tragedies and ensure that everyone reaches their destinations safely.”
The accident occurred just days after the province launched its festive season road safety campaign, highlighting the tragic irony of the situation. The campaign focused on key areas of concern, including driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, seatbelt compliance, overloading, fatigue management, visibility, and distracted driving. The accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of these preventative measures.
Health and Wellness MEC, Mireille Wenger, commended the swift response of emergency medical services (EMS) teams. “I want to commend our EMS teams for their swift response to this tragic incident. They carried out triage operations to assist all affected individuals. It is with great sadness that we confirm the loss of eight lives. Additionally, 22 people sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for further care. We are fully committed to supporting everyone affected by this tragedy, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance,” she stated, offering support to both the injured and bereaved.
Social Development MEC, Jaco Londt, visited the scene to coordinate support services. “I have also contacted my counterpart in the Eastern Cape, as some affected passengers are from there, so we may coordinate support efforts. DSD staff also helped the first responders to facilitate the transportation of affected passengers,” Londt said, outlining the coordinated efforts to provide psychosocial support, including trauma and bereavement counselling. Social workers were deployed to offer assistance to those affected.
