One lane on the N1 opened for traffic after 10 people die in bus accident
Emergency personnel are on the scene to clear the site and control traffic.
POLOKWANE – One lane on the N1 between Polokwane and Mokopane has been opened following a fatal bus accident which occurred next to the Caltex Garage next to the Protea Hotel Ranch Resort at around 05:00 this morning (Friday).
The bus transporting 59 passengers was travelling from Harare, Zimbabwe to Gauteng.
According to a statement issued by Netcare 911, personnel responded to an accident on the N1, 20 kilometres South of Polokwane shortly after 05:20am.
Marketing & Communications Officer, Tebogo Magoro says on arrival, Netcare 911 and several other emergency medical services found that the bus had went down an embankment and was lying on its side.
“Upon further assessment paramedics found multiple people on scene. Eleven had sustained serious injuries and twenty three minor to moderate injuries. Unfortunately 10 sustained fatal injuries and nothing could be done for them and they were declared dead on the scene,” Magoro said.
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The department are calling on the motorists in the area to not stop as it will cause further disruption, says Matome Moremi-Taueatsoala, spokesperson for the Department of Transport.
The road has been temporarily closed to allow for the accident scene to be cleared and motorists are advised to use the R101 as an alternative route.
Emergency personnel are on the scene to clear the site and control the traffic.
This follows a bus accident in which 11 people died on the N1 South between Mookgophong and Mokopane on 17 September.
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