UPDATE: Metrobus responds to crash mystery
FONTAINEBLEAU – Metrobus scratches their heads.
12.45pm, 22 July
UPDATE:
André van Niekerk, managing director of Metrobus, has responded by saying that he was shocked to hear of the tragedy.
“It’s been difficult for us to process,” Van Niekerk explains. “The driver has assured us that he had parked the bus safely within a demarcated pull-over area with cement curbs, so we still haven’t managed to find out how the bus got itself out of there.”
How the bus managed to roll down Republic Road remains a mystery until metro police forensics can establish the cause.
Van Niekerk extends his condolences to families of the deceased and also the injured victims, who will be visited by Metrobus officials as soon as they have been identified.
7pm, 21 July
UPDATE: Reports from Vital Med, ER24 and other agencies have confirmed that the death toll of the Metrobus accident on Republic Road is currently standing at four, not seven as previously reported.
It also has developed into a more complex story than originally anticipated.
According to Tania du Toit, Vital Med spokesperson, an initial investigation proved that the bus broke down on top of an incline on Republic Road, and stood stationary while the bus driver went to the Metrobus depot to collect another bus.
The brakes then suddenly gave way somehow and it rolled down the hill, gaining momentum as hurtled toward the Rabie Road intersection.
“Not being driven by anybody,” said a puzzled Du Toit.
Before the unsuspecting pedestrians standing on the pavement could realise what was happening, the Metrobus slammed into the rear end of the taxi they were standing next to and went up the curb.
They were pulled down under the bus and dragged for several meters before the bus and the taxi came to a grinding halt by crashing into the wall of the townhouse complex on the corner of Republic and Rabie roads.
Ward 104 coucillor Mike Wood has extended his deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the tragic accident. “I was shocked to hear, it’s devastating news.”
Er24 spokesperson, Russell Meiring, confirmed that the injured patients were transported both Chris Hani Baragwanath and Joburg General hospitals.
Metrobus could not be reached for comment at this time.
5pm:
BREAKING – Seven people were killed and two others critically injured when a Metro bus lost control on Republic Road and rear-ended a taxi minibus on 21 July.
Both vehicles rammed into the wall of a townhouse complex on the corner of Republic and Rabie roads.
Apart from the fatal casualties and the two critically injured victims, Vital Med spokespeople on the scene have confirmed that seven more people were taken to hospital with minor to moderate injuries.
Updates to follow.
