At least 10 people were killed after a bus veered off Van Rhyns Pass in the Western Cape on Monday. (Western Cape Provincial Mobility department)
- Ten seasonal farmworkers have died after a bus swerved off Van Rhyns Pass on Monday.
- At least 29 others have been hospitalised.
- Police are investigating the cause of the accident.
Western Cape police say 10 people have died after a bus carrying about 42 passengers swerved off Van Rhyns Pass in the Western Cape shortly after 17:00 on Monday.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said that the bus was carrying seasonal workers from Keimoes, in the Northern Cape, to Ceres.
It’s understood that the passengers were seasonal farmworkers.
“Police members and emergency personnel were dispatched to the crime scene, where they were actively involved in the rescue operation that followed,” Swartbooi said.
“We can confirm that 29 victims were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment while 10 victims were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel.”
READ | At least 9 killed after bus veers off pass in Western Cape
He added that police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Western Cape police are investigating the circumstances of a bus crash in which 10 people died. (Western Cape Provincial Mobility department)
Western Cape mobility department spokesperson Muneera Allie confirmed that 29 passengers had been taken to hospital, and that the death toll was now 10.
Allie said all lanes were open again on Tuesday, and that traffic and SAPS officers were still on the scene.
Anyone with information on the incident can call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation executive director Billy Claasen said the farmworkers were from several towns in the Northern Cape.
“It is alleged that the driver lost control of the bus and rolled over the barriers. It is alleged that these workers were on their way by bus to farms in Ceres,” he added.
“We convey our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and the other farmworkers. We will monitor this situation.”