ALSO READ: Bus collides with truck in Free State

OFM News previously reported that 8 people had died following the accident between an Interstate bus and truck on Thursday 10 November 2022.

ALSO READ: Seven people dead, 25 injured, and many trapped after Free State bus accident

According to Interstate's Stakeholder Relations Manager, Vuyo Ondala, the patient was initially discharged from the hospital before she succumbed to injuries sustained from the incident. Ondala says they hope that no more lives will be lost and their heartfelt sympathies go out to the family.

ALSO READ: Toll of collision on N8 road increased to 8

"The seven passengers and our IBL driver's families who lost their loved ones on 10 November 2022 due to the accident on the N8, will receive financial funeral assistance from Interstate Bus Lines through our insurance. IBL is in the process of getting in touch with each family to help with the arrangements. We will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available via our communication channels and local news outlets," Ondala further adds.

According to the Police, Roads and Transport Department spokesperson, Hillary Mophethe, “It is alleged that the truck driver overtook the bus and when he noticed an oncoming vehicle he then tried to avoid a head-on collision by swaying his truck to the left lane but this led to a crash with the bus.

The accident which claimed the said number of lives including the drivers of both the bus and truck left 3 passengers in a critical state, 19 moderate 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 Rosepark Life Hospital. Earlier the bodies of the passengers and truck driver were all trapped inside the wreck following the accident.  

The MEC for the Department of Police, Roads and Transport (DPR&T), William Bulwane, has since urged all road users to respect the rules of the road and help curb road accidents and fatalities.

ALSO READ: Free State MEC saddened, shocked by horrific N8 accident - VIDEO, PHOTOS

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bus lines, George Mokgothu, earlier sent condolences to the families of those who died in the accident this morning.

The North West-based company whose truck was involved in the N8 collision with a bus between Thaba Nchu and Bloemfontein has broken its silence since the incident took place.

ALSO READ: North West company involved in N8 accident breaks silence

The Klerksdorp-based Sedaka Logistic Company told OFM News that 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 said 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.

OFM News