Ten employees of Scatec solar farm lost their lives in a bus accident on Vanrhyns Pass. The accident was caused by a tyre failure that caused the bus to roll down the mountain slope. Investigations suggest that the accident may have been due to human error. The town of Keimoes mourns the loss of its cherished members and stands unified in these trying times.
Ten employees of Scatec solar farm were killed in a bus accident on Vanrhyns Pass. The bus they were commuting in experienced a tyre failure, causing it to deviate from its path and roll down the mountain slope. Investigations suggest that human error could have been the cause of the accident. The town of Keimoes is mourning the loss of their cherished members and standing unified in these trying times.
In the heart of South Africa’s Northern Cape, the modest town of Keimoes is wrestling with a profound sense of despair. The peaceful village lost ten of its cherished members in a horrific bus accident on Vanrhyns Pass. Cape Town Etc reported the unfortunate event occurred the previous Monday, imparting a somber ambiance to the usually lively town.
The deceased were employees at the Scatec solar farm in Ceres, a bright spot for renewable energy efforts in the vicinity. After a rejuvenating weekend within the loving bounds of their families and the familiar environs of Keimoes, they were on their way back to work. A tragedy ensued. Around 5:20 pm on the R27, between kilometre markers 37 and 38, the bus they were commuting in, operated by TP Williams Vervoer, experienced a tyre failure. Consequently, the vehicle deviated from its path, plummeting down the mountain slope in a dreadful roll.
Speaking to Cape Argus, the proprietor of TP Williams Vervoer conjectured that the unfortunate event was possibly due to a driver mishap. “I visited the accident site. The bus was in a roadworthy condition, it passed a test two months ago, it was licensed, it had the permit, and it was insured,” he stated. His comment suggested that the bus’s mechanical condition was not at fault, alluding to human error as the probable cause.
On the ill-fated bus were 38 construction workers, amongst whom was Sebastiaan Nimeerhoudt, a 28-year-old who had been employed at Scatec for a year. His sudden death was communicated to his family by a coworker. Sebastiaan’s sister, Desmone Nimeerhoudt, shared the family’s sorrow and perplexity with DFA. She noted that the family hadn’t yet visited the hospital to collect his body, stating, “We’re seeking to understand what transpired. After the accident news broke, we didn’t receive any further updates.”
Kai !Garib Mayor, Marshall Matthys conveyed to DFA that the entire town is in mourning. “Everyone is heartbroken, in an emotional wreck; we tried to console those affected during the church service on Wednesday morning. Most of the deceased are from Keimoes and one from Upington,” the mayor said. This communal sadness reverberated throughout the town, exemplifying the strength of the bond among its residents.
To pay tribute to their departed townsfolk, a community-wide memorial service is planned for Sunday. Ward Councillor Yolande Scheffers also expressed her sympathy, reflecting the communal pain.
Among the victims of the dreadful accident was the bus driver, stated Western Cape police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi. As part of the ongoing investigation, he advocated for patience and respect for the investigative process, stating, “We request everyone to give the investigation team the necessary time to conduct their investigation without disruption, in an effort to present a comprehensive and accurate report.”
In these trying times, the town of Keimoes stands unified, its residents banding together to navigate their communal grief. Their loss serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility, the strength of community bonds, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming sorrow.
Ten employees of Scatec solar farm were killed in the bus accident on Vanrhyns Pass.
The accident was caused by a tyre failure that caused the bus to roll down the mountain slope. Investigations suggest that human error could have been the cause of the accident.
The victims of the bus accident were 38 construction workers, including 10 employees of Scatec solar farm who lost their lives.
The town of Keimoes is standing unified in these trying times and planning a community-wide memorial service to pay tribute to their departed townsfolk.
Western Cape police are conducting an investigation into the accident. They have requested patience and respect for the investigative process, stating that they need the necessary time to conduct their investigation without disruption.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility, the importance of community bonds, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming sorrow.
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