KZN bus crash death toll rises to 9! The death toll from the devastating KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) bus crash has risen to nine, as rescue teams and medical personnel continue working to assist the injured.
Tragic Accident on the N2
The fatal accident occurred on Sunday when an 82-seater bus plunged down a steep embankment on the N2 highway between Mandeni and Stanger. The bus, which was transporting churchgoers from Richards Bay to Shakaskraal, reportedly lost control due to a tyre burst, resulting in the catastrophic crash.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find a mass casualty situation, with dozens of passengers injured and trapped in the wreckage.
KZN bus crash
Dozens Injured, Some in Critical Condition
According to emergency rescue teams, at least 80 passengers sustained injuries, with 12 in critical condition. Medical personnel rushed them to various medical facilities across KZN’s north coast.
IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Samantha Meyrick described the challenging nature of the rescue operation.
“Teams worked for hours to stabilise patients and move them to awaiting ambulances. All patients were transported to various hospitals and clinics in the region,” she said.
Sadly, among those who lost their lives was a three-year-old toddler, adding to the heartbreak of the tragedy.
Rescue Teams Work Tirelessly
Rescue teams and paramedics worked through difficult conditions to extract survivors from the wreckage. The accident left many passengers trapped, requiring emergency personnel to carefully navigate the embankment and vehicle debris to reach the injured.
The scene was described as chaotic, with multiple ambulances and rescue vehicles rushing in to assist. Medics provided on-site treatment for patients before transporting them to hospitals for further care.
Government and Authorities Investigate the Crash
The KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, has confirmed that he will visit the accident scene on Monday to assess the situation and support the victims’ families.
Additionally, a joint investigation has been launched by:
- The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)
- The South African Police Service (SAPS)
Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the accident, with early reports pointing to a tyre burst as the reason for the driver losing control. Investigators will examine the bus’s mechanical condition, road conditions, and driver factors to establish whether negligence, poor vehicle maintenance, or external circumstances contributed to the tragedy.
Road Safety Concerns on the N2
This latest accident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety on the N2, which has been the scene of multiple serious crashes in recent years.
Common causes of accidents on the highway include:
- Tyre bursts and mechanical failures
- Driver fatigue and human error
- Poor road conditions and lack of maintenance
Transport authorities have called for stricter safety regulations, especially for public transport vehicles that carry large numbers of passengers.
Condolences and Calls for Action
In the wake of the tragedy, government officials, community leaders, and residents have expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.
Many are also calling for improved road safety measures, including regular bus inspections, better enforcement of traffic laws, and driver training programs to reduce the likelihood of such devastating accidents in the future.
Looking Ahead
As investigations continue, authorities have urged motorists to be extra cautious on the roads, particularly when traveling long distances or in heavy passenger vehicles.
The families of the victims now face a painful period of mourning and recovery, while the survivors continue to receive treatment and support.
More updates on the investigation are expected as officials piece together the events leading to the crash and explore ways to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
In other news – Businessman and ex-lover of Londie London killed in Sandton shootout
A dramatic shootout outside a popular Sandton restaurant has left businessman Bongani Maocuana, also known as Sphamandla Mabonga, dead. The ex-lover of reality TV star Londie London was gunned down outside Solo Restaurant on the evening of March 6, 2025.
According to reports, the violent altercation resulted in the deaths of three people, including Sphamandla and his two bodyguards, while four others were injured and rushed to the hospital. The incident occurred at Solo Restaurant, located at 24 Central in Sandton, an area known for its luxurious nightlife and celebrity presence. Read More