Central SA
North West company involved in N8 accident breaks silence─── LUCKY NKUYANE 14:10 Mon, 14 Nov 2022
The North West-based company whose truck was involved in the N8 collision with a bus between Thaba Nchu and Bloemfontein, in which 8 people lost their lives and scores were left injured, has broken its silence since the incident took place.
ALSO READ: Toll of collision on N8 road increased to 8
The Klerksdorp-based Sedaka Logistic Company says the management of the company is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained as a result of this terrible accident. Sedaka's Human Uys tells OFM News that while it is unclear what led to the accident, the company vows to cooperate fully with the authorities as the circumstances leading to the accident are investigated.
On Thursday 10 November 2022, just before 7 am, an Interstate bus coming from the direction of Thaba Nchu collided with a truck which drove from Bloemfontein on the N8 along Botshabelo to Thaba Nchu.
ALSO READ: Bus collides with truck in Free State
As a result, the bus and truck drivers and bus passengers died in the collision. They remained trapped inside the wrecks whilst those who were critically injured, were rushed to the nearby hospitals across three towns, including Bloemfontein.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the event. While it is unclear what led to the accident occurring, we will cooperate fully with the authorities as the circumstances leading to the accident are investigated,” Uys adds.
According to the Free State Police, Roads and Transport Department's spokesperson, Hillary Mophethe: “It is alleged that the truck driver overtook [another] bus when he noticed the oncoming bus. He then tried to avoid a head-on collision by swaying his truck to the right lane but this led to a crash with the bus."
The accident, which claimed the lives of both the drivers, left 3 passengers in a critical state, 19 with moderate injuries and 32 with minor injuries.
The provincial Emergency Medical Services' (EMS) spokesperson, Sipho Towa, earlier told OFM News that 22 patients were taken to the Botshabelo Hospital, 9 to the Moroka Hospital, 10 to the Pelonomi Hospital, and 1 to the Rosepark Life Hospital.
The MEC for the Department of Police, Roads and Transport, William Bulwane, has since extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to all the injured.
ALSO READ: Free State MEC saddened, shocked by horrific N8 accident - VIDEO, PHOTOS
Bulwane also urged all road users to respect the rules of the road and help curb road accidents and fatalities on the roads.
