The scene of the disaster. Photo: ER24

At least 10 people were killed and approximately 40 others injured when a bus rolled down an embankment off the R712 in Golden Gate in the Free State this afternoon. According to ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring, ER24 paramedics and other rescue services found the bus lying some distance from the road. Numerous bodies were strewn across the scene.

Emergency services set up a triage and staging area to effectively assess the patients but 10 people had already succumbed to their injuries. Approximately 40 other patients had sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical.
Paramedics treated the patients and provided the critically injured patients with advanced life support intervention. Once treated, the patients were transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
The cause of the accident is still unknown.

Two men were electrocuted when an industrial vehicle came into contact with power lines close to the R44 outside Somerset West. According to ER24 a man, who was in his 60s, was in a critical state when they arrived. He died despite efforts to save him. The man’s companion was taken to hospital for treatment.