A horrifying bus crash occurred on Saturday evening on the N2 between Mosselbay and Voorbaai, resulting in six deaths and around 32 injuries. The incident involved a collision between two buses, leaving survivors traumatized and authorities scrambling to investigate the cause of the accident.
The Survivor’s Perspective
Iphithule Sigola, a survivor of the tragic collision, recounted her experience to TimesLIVE. She explained that before boarding the InterCape bus, the driver had expressed fatigue and concerns about the vehicle. Around 8.30pm, the journey took a terrifying turn when the bus swerved into oncoming traffic near Mossel Bay. Sigola and other passengers noticed that the driver appeared to be asleep, and despite their attempts to wake him up, it was too late to avoid the catastrophic crash.
In the chaos that ensued, Sigola’s instincts took over, making it her priority to ensure the safety of the babies on board and help other passengers escape. The harrowing scene included an elderly woman who passed away in Sigola’s arms while they were praying and waiting for paramedics to arrive.
Investigation and Response
Western Cape MEC for mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie, stated that forensic pathology services would confirm all fatalities, and a team of experts was investigating the incident. The urgency of the investigation process was emphasized to prevent public transport users from becoming vulnerable road users. Preliminary reports suggest that one bus took an incorrect turn-off, leading to the tragic collision.
The Aftermath
The aftermath of the accident left horrific images imprinted in Sigola’s memory, such as severed body parts and the terrible damage inflicted on both buses. She noted that their bus appeared to be at fault, as it had swerved into the oncoming traffic.
As the investigation continues, witnesses continue to recount the traumatic incident, and the authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety of public transport users. It is crucial to determine the cause of the accident to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
