Athlone police are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving and culpable homicide after three people lost their lives and more than 20 others were injured after a bus overturned on Jakes Gerwel Drive yesterday.
Also read: Seven lives lost in yesterday’s extreme weather conditions
Spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), Joseph Swartbooi, says members of the Athlone police arrived on the scene at about 8:45am, where they found a Golden Arrow bus lying on its side in the road.
‘Three passengers sustained fatal injuries and were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel while 35 passengers sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospitals.
‘Athlone police registered cases of reckless and negligent driving and culpable homicide for further investigation.’
According to John Dammert, Golden Arrow bus services spokesperson, the driver reportedly lost control. ‘We can confirm that one of our buses was involved in an accident along Jakes Gerwel Drive this morning at 8:45am. The driver lost control of the bus.’
Dammert told the Cape Times that three people died and 21 others were transported to Groote Schuur, Tygerberg and Mitchells Plain hospitals.
The police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
Also read:
Storm leads to multiple deaths, extensive damage and traffic mayhem
Picture: JP Smith / Facebook