Bloemfontein — Ten people were killed and dozens injured on Tuesday after a truck and a bus collided on the road between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo, approximately 5 km from Mandela View.
According to Free State emergency services, the crash triggered a full-scale response from paramedics, fire officials and law-enforcement agencies.
In total, 41 people were affected.
Emergency services confirmed that six people sustained severe to critical injuries and were rushed to the Pelonomi Trauma Unit.
Five patients with moderate injuries were transported to Botshabelo Hospital and Busamed, while 19 people with minor injuries were also taken to Botshabelo Hospital for treatment.
Ten people died at the scene. One patient assessed by responders declined transportation to hospital.
Free State EMS spokesperson Sipho Towa said the coordinated response was activated immediately after the call came in.
“When the incident was reported, a swift activation and coordination between services was immediately initiated to respond to the scene,” Towa said.
He extended condolences to the affected families and urged road users to remain vigilant.
“We send our deepest condolences and prayers to those injured and to the families who lost loved ones,” he said.
“We further urge motorists to exercise caution when it rains and to always follow the rules of the road.”
Traffic remained heavily impacted throughout the afternoon as rescue workers cleared the wreckage. Authorities have urged motorists travelling through the area to proceed with caution and obey instructions from officials on scene.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
