ewn.co.za

JOHANNESBURG – At least 19 people  have now died after a passenger-bus they were travelling in overturned on the R59 highway near Meyerton, south of Johannesburg.

The death toll number may rise, as a part of the bus submerged into a small river nearby, Netcare 911 spokesperson Jeff Wicks said.

Earlier, 13 deaths were confirmed.

At least 85 others were injured in Monday’s accident. They were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

It is not yet clear what caused the accident, but rescue officials believe the driver may have lost control of the vehicle.

Earlier, patients were entrapped and heavy-duty rescuers had to be called.

Emergency services are still on the scene, Wicks said.

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