Several students were injured after a shuttle transporting students to the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) collided with a Golden Arrow bus in District Six on Friday morning, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The 65-seater shuttle was travelling from CPUT’s Bellville Campus to the District Six Campus when the crash occurred. The vehicle was carrying students heading to classes and examinations, along with staff members from the university’s housing department.
According to the CPUT Student Representative Council (SRC), a number of students were injured in the collision. In an initial update, the SRC said three students were reported to be in critical condition and were transported to a private hospital for urgent medical care.
‘At this stage, it has been confirmed that three students are in a critical condition and have been taken to a private hospital. The shuttle driver also sustained severe injuries but is currently in a stable condition,’ the SRC said.
The council added that other students who experienced shock or possible injuries were taken to nearby medical facilities for assessment and observation. The SRC also urged any students involved in the accident who may have left the scene to contact the council so that academic, medical and psychosocial support can be arranged.
However, CPUT later issued an update clarifying the extent of the injuries. University spokesperson Lauren Kansley said emergency services responded swiftly to the scene and attended to several students.
‘Of the nine students who were attended to at the scene, only one required minor intervention, and she was transferred to hospital for further scans. No other serious injuries have been reported,’ Kansley said.
Golden Arrow Bus Services confirmed that its bus was not carrying passengers at the time of the collision.
Company spokesperson Bronwyn Dyke-Beyer said two people were receiving treatment for serious injuries, while around 20 others sustained minor injuries.
‘An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident, and our driver has been suspended in line with company procedures,’ she said.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Meanwhile, the university and student leadership have encouraged affected students to seek support while the situation is being monitored.
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