According to police spokesperson, Mahlomola Kareli, the seven bodies were inside the wrecks on the accident scene between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo. Some bodies are still trapped inside the truck and the bus that collided Thursday morning 10 November 2022 just after 07:00. 

At least 38 people have been ferried to different hospitals for medical attention, with the number expected to rise.

Injured commuters were taken to the Botshabelo Hospital (22) and the Moroka Hospital in Thaba Nchu (9) whilst critically and moderately injured people have been transported to the Pelonomi Trauma Hospital (6) and Rosepark Life Hospital (1) in Bloemfontein by various emergency medical services. Patients include 3 critically injured, 19 moderately injured, and 32 with minor injuries, with 7 people declared dead on the scene - both the drivers and 5 passengers.

It has been said that there were more than 60 passengers on the bus.

Authorities on the scene include the police, traffic officials, emergency medical services, and firefighters. Other law enforcement officers include specialist investigators and crash investigators from Pretoria in Gauteng.

OFM News reported that the truck was on its way from Bloemfontein while the bus came from Thaba Nchu and was on its way to Bloemfontein.

PHOTO: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

The Stakeholder Relations Manager at Interstate Bus Lines, Vuyo Ondala, confirmed to OFM News that one of their buses and a logistics truck collided this morning, leaving a number of people dead and injured.

This is a developing story.

(UPDATED: Seven people dead, 38 injured, and many trapped after Free State bus accident)

OFM News/Lucky Nkuyane & Kekeletso Mosebetsi