Bus involved in deadly crash roadworthy, says City of Ekurhuleni! The City of Ekurhuleni has strongly defended the roadworthiness of its bus, which was involved in a tragic crash that claimed 16 lives on Tuesday.
The devastating accident occurred on the R21 highway, where 12 people died on the scene after the bus rolled several times before coming to a stop on its side. At least four others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Concerns Over Bus Overcrowding
Some survivors of the crash have come forward with troubling claims about the conditions inside the bus before the accident.
Bus involved in deadly crash
Several passengers reported that there were people standing in the bus while it was in motion.
While buses often have a permitted number of standing passengers, concerns have been raised about whether this could have contributed to the severity of the accident.
Despite these concerns, the roadworthiness of the vehicle itself has come under scrutiny.
Ekurhuleni Defends Bus Condition
Amid the rising questions, Ekurhuleni Transport MMC Andile Mngwevu has assured the public that all city buses undergo routine inspections to ensure they are safe for use.
“We always do continuous checks to confirm they’re fit for purpose, and we can confirm that our bus was in good condition. Hence, it does this route on a regular basis.”
However, the RTMC has stated that it will conduct a full mechanical investigation to verify the city’s claims.
Bus Driver Under Investigation for Speeding
While the bus’s mechanical condition is being examined, attention has also turned to the driving behavior of the Ekurhuleni Metro bus driver.
According to multiple sources, the driver is allegedly known for speeding.
One survivor of the crash, who regularly commuted on the bus, claimed that they had raised concerns about the driver’s reckless driving habits in the past.
“This is the bus I take every day. I always complain that the driver is speeding.”
The RTMC has confirmed that speeding will be a key focus of the investigation.
Surveillance Footage May Hold Answers
Investigators may soon be able to verify whether speed played a role in the crash through traffic surveillance footage.
According to Ekurhuleni Metro Police spokesperson William Ntladi, the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) cameras positioned along the R21 highway could provide crucial evidence.
“Since we are on the national road – R21, which is a SANRAL road – we believe that with the SANRAL cameras, investigators will be able to follow that up.”
If the footage confirms excessive speeding, the driver could face serious legal consequences.
President Ramaphosa Sends Condolences
In the wake of the tragedy, President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the crash.
The president has also urged drivers to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and that they adhere to road regulations.
This incident has reignited discussions on the safety of public transportation in South Africa, particularly regarding driver behavior, overcrowding, and vehicle maintenance.
As the RTMC investigation continues, the country awaits answers on what exactly led to this devastating loss of life.