Newcastle holds memorial for 1998 horror bus crash victims
The transport month commencement day was dedicated to the lives lost during the tragic collision that captivated the nation's attention and left the town in mourning.
Newcastle Municipality Mayor Xolani Dube, along with the municipality’s leadership, invited the relatives of those who died in the tragedy to attend the ceremony, which was held on the site of the bus disaster on Albert Wessels Drive on April 15, 1998.
On April 15, 1998, Newcastle awoke to the devastating news of a multi-vehicle crash at then-named Albert Wessels Drive, Madadeni, in the province’s bloodiest collision to date. The accident killed 33 individuals, including 30 students.
Thousands of mourners converged on the Osizweni stadium for the funeral, bringing the town to a halt. Then, unexpectedly, President Nelson Mandela paid a brief but heartfelt visit to Newcastle to console the deceased relatives.
Speaking on the day, Dube said, “The 2023 campaign is unique because we have come together to remember the children. Our goal is to reassure the families that we are one with them and haven’t forgotten about their loss rather than open up old wounds.”
The Municipality has given a much needed upgrade to the memorial site, including repainting the memorial plaque with the names of all the victims. Officials present gave touching speeches whilst survivors shared on their memories of the tragic day.
Mayor Dube concluded the occasion by laying flowers and unveiling a plaque commemorating transport month.
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