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THE DEATH toll in the tragic bus accident on Vanrhyns Pass has risen to 10, the Western Cape provincial government has confirmed.
The incident, which occurred on Monday at around 5.20pm, involved a bus carrying construction workers, many from the Northern Cape, en route to a wind farm project in Ceres, contrary to initial reports that suggested they were agri-workers, the Western Cape government said in a statement on Tuesday.
The bus veered off the pass, resulting in the loss of 10 lives and leaving twelve others seriously injured.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
The Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives in this devastating incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish to express our care and concern for those who sustained injuries, and we are hopeful for their speedy recovery."
Initial reports on Tuesday morning incorrectly identified the passengers as farmworkers, but it has since been confirmed that they were construction workers heading to a wind farm project site in the Western Cape.
The Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, also expressed his sorrow, saying, "Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the lives lost in this devastating accident. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the emergency workers who responded swiftly and courageously to the incident. Your dedication and tireless efforts in such challenging circumstances are truly commendable."
In response to the tragedy, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, assured that the necessary support services are being co-ordinated.
“We convey our sincerest condolences to all those impacted by this tragedy. In the aftermath of the tragic crash, staff from the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) were immediately activated to assess whether there was a need for psychosocial support services. We will work with the SAPS and the Department of Health and Wellness to provide support such as trauma debriefing should it be required. Since many of the affected are from the Northern Cape, we are liaising with DSD colleagues in that province who will also continue to provide support services to the victims and their families and loved ones,” said Londt.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, also praised the emergency medical teams for their swift response. “We commend the heroic efforts of our EMS teams … Their unwavering commitment and tireless work under extraordinarily tough conditions have been crucial in providing care and support to those affected. Our thoughts are with all the individuals impacted by this incident, and we are grateful for the absolute dedication of our medical professionals at this critical time,” she said.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness reported that 39 passengers were assessed at the scene, with 10 fatalities confirmed. The injured passengers were transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
Minister Sileku added, "Our team is currently co-ordinating with the relevant authorities to offer assistance to the families of the deceased and to those injured. We are exploring all avenues of support, including counselling services, to help them cope with the aftermath of this tragic event."