Johannesburg – KwaZulu-Natal Transport Minister Willies Mchunu instigated an investigation on Sunday following a deadly bus crash in Melmoth that left at least 10 people dead.

The bus was carrying people returning from the Reed Dance ceremony which took place at the Nyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma.

Earlier reports said that eight people had died and 62 others had been injured, but the African National Congress Women’s League said meanwhile it was saddened by reports of the untimely death of nine young women.

Mchunu said in a statement: “I have instructed the [law enforcers] investigation to assess the cause of the accident; the state of the driver and the roadworthiness of the bus.

“We are all shocked at the spate of accidents especially in the last three months, which show a dramatic increase in road fatalities. 

“The other worrying trend is that many of these accidents involve the loss of young lives.

“In this instance, these children had gone to participate in a cultural ceremony that promotes the wellbeing and dignified growth of young girls through to adult life,” he said.

Ceremony

Netcare911 paramedics reported that eight people [two women and six men] had died and 62 others were injured when the bus overturned, slid down the road and smashed into [steel] barriers.

“Paramedics… arrived at the scene and found that the barriers had pierced through the front of the bus,” said Netcare911 spokesperson Chris Botha.

Mchunu extended his condolences to the families of those killed.

“On behalf of the provincial government, I would like to send my deepest condolences to families and friends of the young girls who have lost their lives.

Earlier, Zululand mayor Zanele KaMagwaza Msibi said she was shocked and saddened by the incident.

“When parents released their children to participate in the ceremony, little did they know that they were saying their last goodbyes to their children who perished during the accident,” said KaMagwaza Msibi.

SAPA