A bus carrying mine company staff collided with a truck in South Africa on Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring several others. The accident occurred on a highway in the North West province, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Johannesburg.
The bus was carrying employees of the Sibanye-Stillwater mining company to work at a platinum mine in the Rustenburg area. The truck was carrying a load of sand.
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The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but authorities say that the bus driver may have lost control of the vehicle.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in this accident,” said Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been affected.”
The South African government has also expressed its condolences to the victims’ families.
“This is a tragic loss of life,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa in a statement. “My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their loved ones.”
The accident is the latest in a series of deadly bus crashes in South Africa. In 2018, at least 62 people were killed when a bus overturned on a highway in the eastern province of Mpumalanga.
South Africa has a poor road safety record, with one of the highest rates of traffic fatalities in the world. In 2021, more than 12,500 people were killed in road accidents in the country.
The government has vowed to improve road safety, but experts say that more needs to be done to address the problem. They say that factors such as poor road conditions, speeding, and drunk driving are all contributing to the high number of road accidents in South Africa.
Safety tips for bus passengers
- Always wear a seatbelt.
- Choose a seat towards the middle of the bus, as this is the safest area in the event of a collision.
- Avoid sitting near the windows, as these are more likely to break in an accident.
- Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to evacuate the bus if necessary.
- If you are involved in a bus accident, stay calm and follow the instructions of the emergency services.
The deadly collision of a bus carrying mine company staff in South Africa is a tragedy. It is important to remember that bus travel can be dangerous, and it is important to take steps to protect yourself. By following the safety tips above, you can help to reduce your risk of injury or death in the event of a bus accident.
Source: geo.tv