Shaheema River, a 25-year-old resident of Eastridge in Mitchells Plain, recently survived a tragic Golden Arrow bus accident on Jakes Gerwel Drive in Athlone that claimed the lives of three individuals and left 35 others injured.
The deceased were identified as Amy Carelse, Malize van Rooi and Yarick Damons, all from Mitchells Plain.
Also read: Bus driver accused of negligence in crash that claimed three lives
Recounting details of the incident to IOL, River explained that on the day of the accident, she was waiting for her usual 7:15am bus, which she took daily for her commute to work in Century City. As she boarded the bus and began the commute, she, along with several other passengers, noticed that the driver was driving at a high speed.
Concerned, they voiced their worries to the driver, urging him to slow down, particularly as they approached the Samora Machel side of the road, which was known for its uneven surface and potholes.
River recalled how, as the bus travelled along the wet road, she didn’t initially comprehend the gravity of the situation. It wasn’t until she witnessed passengers being thrown from the bus that she realised the severity of the situation.
She described her reaction as a ‘fight or flight’ response, clinging to the seat’s rail as the bus seemed to become airborne. She closed her eyes, unable to witness more of the chaos unfolding.
‘It was one of the old buses, so I could hold onto the rail of the seat. Then I felt I was airborne. I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to see more,’ she told IOL.
River mustered the strength to crawl out of the bus, retrieve her belongings, and console a colleague who was also on the bus. Paramedics then arrived at the scene, providing blankets and medical attention.
River’s injuries became apparent as she realised her right thigh was swollen, her legs and back were sore and she had a bump on her head.
‘I was given two injections and taken to Lentegeur District Hospital, where the doctor conducted X-rays and told me I had internal bruising on my bone at my hip and back. I also have a bump on my head, and my shoulder hurts,’ River said.
She was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, 26 September. However, River continues to struggle with speaking and walking, and the pain makes it difficult for her to sleep.
Despite the widespread sharing of videos and photos depicting the scenes on social media, River implored the public to refrain from speculating, particularly claims that the wind caused the bus to overturn. She has made a pledge never to take a bus again, traumatised by the incident.
‘I have seen too much,’ Rivers said.
Regarding any communication from Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS), River stated that she had not heard from anyone. She intends to initiate an individual case and hopes to join others in lodging a collective case to ensure that justice is served.
‘This cannot be allowed to be swept under the rug. This is not fair to the deceased or the passengers involved,’ she said.
IOL reportedly reached out to GABS for a statement, but they had not responded by the time of publication.
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Picture: JP Smith / Facebook