At least 16 people have died, and two others were seriously injured after a bus carrying 73 South African residents overturned on the N1 near Touws River on Thursday morning.
Western Cape traffic chief Maxine Bezuidenhout said the freak crash occurred at about 12am.
She said emergency services remained on the scene throughout the morning.
“We confirm an incident on the N1 near Touws River at approximately 12am on Thursday, where a bus transporting 73 South African residents has overturned,” she said.
“Tragically, 16 people have lost their lives, while two others sustained serious injuries.”
She said a stop-and-go has been implemented on the affected stretch of the national road.
Bezuidenhout urged motorists travelling through the area to exercise caution and be patient.
“Expect delays as emergency and recovery operations continue,” she said.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, the bus had been transporting about 78 passengers from Cape Town to Idutywa in the Eastern Cape.
“It is alleged that the bus swerved to avoid colliding with a delivery vehicle when the driver lost control and the vehicle overturned.
“The crash resulted in 16 fatalities, 20 occupants sustained injuries and were transported to Worcester Hospital.”
Zwane said 43 occupants refused medical treatment.
“The cause of the crash will be subject to the ongoing investigation by the RTMC and the South African Police Service.”
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