At least nine ANC supporters tragically lost their lives in a bus crash just outside Paulpietersburg in KwaZulu-Natal. The incident occurred shortly after the governing party’s election manifesto launch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Emergency services and the South African Police Services are still at the crash scene on the R33 near Paulpietersburg, where the number of fatalities continues to rise.
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This is not the first time such a tragedy has struck ANC supporters. In January, six supporters travelling to the ANC’s January 8 Statement in Mbombela from Limpopo lost their lives in a bus crash near Tzaneen.
According to a report by national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the bus was returning from the Moses Mabhida Stadium when it overturned.
Further reports currently have 7 occupants that have died. #BusCrash @kznpvt https://t.co/cixFE4Ohh4 pic.twitter.com/HGaRRACJnU
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 25, 2024
The ANC had just launched its manifesto at the event. As of the latest update, nine people have been confirmed dead, and numerous others have been injured and taken to various hospitals in the area for medical care.
Transport MEC Sipho Hlomuka expressed his sadness at the loss of life following a successful ANC manifesto launch. He assured that an investigation is already underway, looking into factors such as the condition of the road, the bus, the weather during the time of the accident, and the condition of the driver.
The KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service reported that paramedics faced an overwhelming number of patients who were hysterical and frightened. Critical, serious, and minor injuries were sustained by the victims.
The ANC is expected to release a statement addressing the incident. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the affected families, and we wish a speedy recovery to all those who have been injured. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
