At least five people are dead and 48 others were injured when a single-decker coach carrying passengers from a church reunion, overturned on the N2 near Swellendam on Friday.
Also read: Update: Multiple injuries reported as bus overturns on N2 outside Swellendam
The group was returning to Cape Town from the Carmel Retreat, near George, when the incident occurred.
It is believed that the bus overturned after the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, killing at least five passengers and injuring dozens more.
The passengers of the bus were parishioners from various churches, including St Aidan’s, St Saviour’s and St Matthew’s and four of the deceased have been identified as Liezel Christiansen, Maureen Viret, Amy Roberts and Beatrice Maaneveldt. The identity of the fifth victim is yet to be revealed.
Messages of condolence were soon posted on various social media platforms as members of the public and congregants from the church learned of the incident.
Among others, gender-based violence activist Reverend June Dolley expressed her grief over the incident, saying that St Aidan’s was her home parish.
‘I know most of the people on that bus,’ she posted. ‘I’m from St. Aidan’s Church, I was there for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. I grew up in front of the seniors, the others I also know from St. Aidan’s, and from St. Saviour’s and St. Matthew’s where I ministered as a priest. It was a dark day for all of us yesterday,’ she said.
Dolley added that messages between parishioners were going back and forth, hoping that no one else would die.
‘I never slept last night, it all felt so surreal, like it was a bad dream. My prayers are with the families and the various church communities. It is all so heartbreaking,’ she said.
Meanwhile, Premier Alan Winde expressed his condolences.
‘I would like to send my most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. For now, we are focused on a coordinated response to give all victims the best possible care and ensure safety at the scene,’ said Winde.
Minister of Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie, also expressed his condolences and said: ‘This incident is a chilling reminder to everyone that we need to be extra vigilant on our roads this long weekend. Provincial Traffic Officers are out in full force to prevent more crashes, as they are every day of the year, but we need the support of each road user. Please take care, buckle up, don’t speed, take breaks when tired, don’t use your cell phone while driving, and don’t drink and drive.’
Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, said: ‘The most critical patients had been airlifted to Groote Schuur, Tygerberg and George Hospitals. Referrals are being sent to Worcester Regional Hospital with our EMS vehicles.’
‘In relation to treatment, patients are being triaged accordingly on site and the green patients are being seen at the local clinic, while the rest are being treated at Swellendam Hospital.’
St Aiden’s Church in Lansdowne told the Weekend Argus they were not at liberty to give comments regarding the incident, except to say there was an outpouring of love and condolences for the families of the deceased.
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Picture: Supplied / Ismail’s Towing