A tragic bus accident near OR Tambo International Airport early Tuesday morning has left 12 people dead and 45 others injured, according to officials from the City of Ekurhuleni.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m., sending shockwaves through the community and prompting an outpouring of grief from local authorities.
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, including OR Tambo, Thembisa, and Edenvale, for treatment. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, with police and other stakeholders combing the scene for evidence. Initial reports have not indicated whether other vehicles were involved.
Andile Mngwevu, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport Planning in Ekurhuleni, expressed profound sorrow at the scene.
We are lost for words. This is a disaster. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, and our prayers for a speedy recovery to those who have been taken to various hospitals around the area
Mngwevu, visibly shaken, described the scene as heartbreaking.
To see so many bodies lying around is quite saddening, and the city really feels for the families who would have expected to see their loved ones return home later today. Our hearts are extremely heavy right now.
The MMC vowed that the city would conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
We will leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of this.
As of the time of reporting, details surrounding the crash remain unclear. Police investigators are working to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. The City of Ekurhuleni has pledged its full support to the affected families and has called for patience as the investigation unfolds.