Ten people were killed and ten others seriously injured in a horrific collision between a truck and a bus on the R34 near Vryheid late last night. The bus was reportedly transporting Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters returning from Youth Day celebrations in Durban.
Details of the Accident
The crash occurred on the notorious R34 route, a road frequently criticized for its high accident rate involving heavy trucks. Preliminary reports suggest the truck veered into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with the bus. Both drivers survived and were taken to hospital, with authorities investigating whether fatigue or intoxication played a role.
Provincial Transport MEC confirmed the death toll after initial confusion over the number of fatalities. “We can confirm that 10 people lost their lives at the scene,” he said, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.
Political Reactions
The EFF in KwaZulu-Natal confirmed that the victims were party members traveling back from a Youth Day rally in Umlazi. Several political parties, including the ANC and IFP, extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Road Safety Concerns
The R34 has long been a hotspot for accidents, with residents and officials raising concerns about the high volume of trucks using the route as a shortcut instead of the designated N2 and N3 highways. The Transport MEC acknowledged the dangers, stating that the province is investing R1.2 billion in road upgrades and exploring alternative transport solutions, such as rail, to reduce truck traffic.
Next Steps
Authorities are working to notify families of the deceased while the EFF leadership coordinates with provincial officials to support affected families. Police have opened a culpable homicide case, pending further investigation.
As the community mourns, calls for stricter enforcement and improved road safety measures grow louder, with hopes that such a tragedy can be prevented in the future.
Updates to follow as more information becomes available.
