Pretoria - Transport Minister Dipuo Peters says she is saddened by the bus crash in Warden, in the Free State in which two children were killed.
A bus transporting 22 children caught fire while travelling on the N3 near Warden on Friday.
Preliminary information is that the bus burst into flames then crashed into an embankment.
One child sustained first degree burns while four sustained minor injuries.
“It is also alleged that two kids between the ages of 2 and 4 years could not escape and suffered fatal injuries. Some of the kids were taken to hospital for treatment for shock and smoke inhalation,” said the department on Friday.
The driver sustained 40 percent second degree burns and unconsciously jumped out of the bus leaving it unattended.
A team of accident investigation and reconstruction specialists from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Rescue (EMR) were dispatched to the scene.
Minister Peters has called on all enforcement agencies working on the investigations to leave no stone unturned to determine the cause of the blaze in the bus.
The accident happed as the Minister officially opened the 2nd Annual National Road Safety Summit in Cape Town. “The purpose of this Summit is precisely to find real and lasting solutions to the carnage we see on our roads,” she said.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic occurrence. Our deep felt condolences go to the families and friends of the deceased and injured children. We wish those that are injured a speedy recovery as law enforcement agencies dig to the bottom of the occurrence,” said the Minister.
Minister Peters said all road users - including motorists, passengers and pedestrians - need to be extremely vigilant and cautious at all times. – SAnews.gov.za
