Update in Free State accident that left 10 dead

The South African Police Service (Saps) have confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the a catastrophic collision between a bus and a heavy motor vehicle on the N6 highway on Wednesday.

The crash resulted in 10 fatalities and left more than 31 people injured.

It occurred approximately 15 kilometres south of Reddersburg, on the route towards Smithfield, causing immediate and extensive disruption to transportation in the area.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said a case of culpable homicide has been opened following the incident.

Emergency response and N6 accident details

Sipho Towa, Chairperson of the Free State Road Incident Management System (RIMS) and District Manager of EMS Communications said the majority of fatalities were adult females, with one minor among the deceased.

“The road to recovery is almost complete. We have transported seven patients to various hospitals for moderate and serious injuries,” Towa earlier told The Citizen.

Makhele further revealed that five passengers with serious injuries were transported to hospitals in Bloemfontein.

Additionally, 22 injured passengers received treatment at the Stoffel Coetzee Hospital in Smithfield.

Towa said that emergency services were activated at 3:50 in the morning, responding rapidly to the devastating collision.

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“Preliminary reports indicate that the bus was traveling from the direction of Reddersburg towards Smithfield, while the truck was heading in the opposite direction.

“The collision was a side-swipe head-on impact,” Makhele stated.

Initially, the fatality count was estimated at five, but it dramatically increased to 10 as the full extent of the tragedy became apparent.

Traffic disruption and alternate routes

The accident has precipitated a total road closure, forcing significant traffic rerouting.

Towa provided detailed alternative routes for stranded travellers. Vehicles departing from Reddersburg must now divert via the R717 towards Edenburg, covering a 27-kilometre detour.

From Edenburg, drivers are instructed to take the N1 to Springfontein, a 69.5-kilometre stretch, and then proceed on the R715 to Smithfield, ultimately reconnecting with the N6 after travelling an additional 103 kilometres.

Travellers originating from Smithfield have been advised to take the R715 to Springfontein and then the N1 to Bloemfontein, a 140-kilometre alternative route.

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Ongoing investigation and community impact

Local authorities managed the accident scene, providing medical assistance to the injured, and conducting preliminary investigations into the cause of the collision.

“Motorists are urged to exercise caution while traveling in the area as emergency personnel remain on the scene,” Makhele urged.

” Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”

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