At least 12 people lost their lives, and 45 others sustained injuries when a bus overturned on a highway near Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday. The impact of the crash ejected several passengers onto the road, emergency officials confirmed.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, working to lift the bus back onto its wheels to check if any more victims were trapped underneath, said William Nthladi, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Emergency Management.
“On arrival, we found patients lying across the road,” Nthladi said, describing the chaotic aftermath of the crash.
The accident occurred early in the morning near O.R. Tambo International Airport. The bus, which had been transporting passengers from Katlehong township, was found lying on its side at the edge of the highway.
Paramedics declared 12 victims dead at the scene, while the injured, including the bus driver, were rushed to hospitals. The severity of their injuries ranged from serious to critical.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash, but police are treating the site as a crime scene due to the fatalities. Investigations are ongoing.
