The Grieving and Grateful: A Story of Survival and Loss

Shaheema River survived a harrowing bus accident that killed three people and injured 35 others. She recalls the tragedy and the resilience of the human spirit while urging people not to make assumptions about its cause. Despite not hearing from Golden Arrow Bus Service, she plans to file a lawsuit against it and join others in seeking justice for the victims. The incident highlights the fragility of life, the power of human resilience, and the importance of community during times of crisis.

A Fateful Morning

Shaheema River, 25 years old and hailing from Eastridge in Mitchells Plain, recently experienced a harrowing bus accident that took the lives of three people and injured 35 others. As she shares the dreadful events of that day, we see the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder to value every moment of life.

Just like any other morning, Shaheema River was waiting for her regular 7:15 am Golden Arrow bus to take her to work in Century City. Unbeknownst to her, her life was about to be altered forever. The accident took place on Jakes Gerwel Drive in Athlone, a road infamous for its rough surface and potholes.

When River boarded the bus and commenced her daily ride, she observed that the driver was going too fast. Concerned for her own safety as well as that of her fellow passengers, she, along with others, implored the driver to reduce speed. Their worries were ignored as the bus continued to race along the damp road, with catastrophe imminent.

The Aftermath

It was only when River witnessed passengers being flung from the bus that she realized the severity of the situation. As pandemonium ensued around her, she clung to the seat’s railing with all her might, her fight or flight instinct taking over. She later told reporters, “I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to see more.”

Miraculously, River was able to crawl out of the wreckage, collect her belongings, and console a coworker who had also been on the bus. Help arrived in the form of paramedics, who supplied blankets and medical assistance. At that point, River became aware of the extent of her injuries. With a swollen thigh, aching legs and back, and a bump on her head, she received two injections and was transported to Lentegeur District Hospital.

Following X-rays, River was told she had internal bruising on her hip and back. She was released from the hospital on September 26th, but continues to have difficulty speaking and walking, and her pain makes sleeping a challenge.

Seeking Justice and Healing

The tragic accident, which claimed the lives of Amy Carelse, Malize van Rooi, and Yarick Damons, has been widely disseminated on social media, with videos and photos of the scene being shared extensively. River encourages the public not to make assumptions about the cause of the accident, especially theories blaming wind. The trauma has left her vowing to never ride a bus again.

Despite her traumatic experience, River has not received any communication from Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS), the company that operated the ill-fated bus. She intends to file an individual lawsuit against GABS and hopes to join others in filing a group case to ensure that justice is served. In her words, “This cannot be allowed to be swept under the rug. This is not fair to the deceased or the passengers involved.”

This heartrending incident serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility, the power of human resilience, and the significance of community during times of crisis. Although River grieves the loss of her fellow passengers, her survival is a testament to her bravery and the support of those around her.

1. Who is Shaheema River?

Shaheema River is a 25-year-old woman from Eastridge in Mitchells Plain who survived a bus accident that killed three people and injured 35 others.

2. What happened to Shaheema River?

Shaheema River was on a Golden Arrow bus when it crashed on Jakes Gerwel Drive in Athlone. She witnessed passengers being flung from the bus and suffered internal bruising on her hip and back, a swollen thigh, aching legs and back, and a bump on her head.

3. Who were the victims of the bus accident?

The bus accident claimed the lives of Amy Carelse, Malize van Rooi, and Yarick Damons.

4. What does Shaheema River think caused the accident?

Shaheema River encourages the public not to make assumptions about the cause of the accident, especially theories blaming wind.

5. Has Shaheema River heard from Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS)?

No, Shaheema River has not received any communication from GABS, the company that operated the ill-fated bus.

6. What does Shaheema River plan to do about the accident?

Shaheema River intends to file an individual lawsuit against GABS and hopes to join others in filing a group case to ensure that justice is served.

7. How has the accident affected Shaheema River?

The trauma of the accident has left Shaheema River with difficulty speaking and walking, and her pain makes sleeping a challenge. She also plans to never ride a bus again.

8. What does the incident highlight?

The incident highlights the fragility of life, the power of human resilience, and the importance of community during times of crisis.