Minister Barbara Creecy visited Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein on Monday, where two injured patients remain hospitalised following the incident between Reddersburg and Smithfield. She wished them a speedy recovery.

Families of the deceased viewed their loved ones’ bodies on Monday (10/3) after the Free State Department of Health completed post-mortems at the Welkom government mortuary on Friday.

“Unfortunately, four bodies have not yet been identified. We are working with Home Affairs to confirm their identities through fingerprints,” said Creecy. “Once this process is complete, we can provide closure to the families.”

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and we remain hopeful that the two hospitalised patients will make a full recovery.”

Creecy acknowledged that extreme weather conditions and climate change are increasingly affecting transport infrastructure. “We need to ensure we are not just repairing roads but also taking steps to prevent recurring damage. This remains a work in progress.”

Wednesday’s crash involved a side-swipe head-on collision, claiming ten lives – including a two-year-old – and injuring 27 others. Both the truck and bus drivers survived.

Creecy extended her heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones. Photo: Facebook/Department of Transport

Road fatality statistics for the 2024/25 festive season revealed that 1,234 fatal crashes resulted in 1,502 deaths. Increases in road deaths were reported across Central South Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and Limpopo.

Prasa has extended extensive support to injured passengers and the families of those who died. This includes site visits, transport and accommodation, assistance with registering deaths, and repatriation of mortal remains. Trauma counselling is also being offered to affected passengers and their families.

Creecy confirmed that investigations into the exact cause of the accident are still underway.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg