BUS CRASH OUTSIDE OF DE DOORNS CLAIMS 24 LIVES

The Premier and I would like to express our deepest condolences to the families of the passengers who lost their lives in the bus crash just outside of De Doorns earlier today. 

Initial investigations indicated that 24 people have been confirmed deceased (22 females and 2 males).

All emergency services are on the scene presently.  The injured are being moved to various hospitals and clinics around the Province depending on the seriousness of their injuries.  Kenny Africa, Head of Provincial Traffic and SAPS Crash Investigation Unit are also on the scene and the Provincial Disaster Management Centre has been activated to ensure a coordinated effort.

I have instructed that a major crash investigation commence immediately.  Early reports from the surviving passengers indicated brake failure as the main reason for the crash.  

 The bus is registered in the Western Cape and is owned by Atlantic City Liners. 

The Provincial Regulatory Entity will investigate the legal status of the bus including the validity of the operating licence and whether the Certificate of Fitness is still valid.

Any losses on our roads are a tragedy - an accident of this magnitude is nothing less than heart-breaking.  But despite my shock and real sense of grief let me make one thing absolutely clear: today simply doubles my resolve to make our roads safer. 

Western Cape Emergency Medical Services reports that:

38 patients have been transported to health facilities by WCG Health: EMS and private services:

24 x patients transported to Worcester Provincial Hospital of which 6 patients will be airlifted to Groote Schuur Hospital shortly.

12 x patients transported to Worcester Medi-clinic.

2 x critical patients airlifted by the AMS Rescue Helicopters

WCG Health: EMS resources sent to the accident scene:

9 x Response Vehicles

11 x EMS ambulances

2 x AMS Rescue Helicopters

1 x SANDF Oryx

Western Cape Disaster Management have activated their centre (JOC) in order to assist. The Joint Operation Centre (JOC) have verified the information after liaising with communications,  ground operations and health facilities.

Statement issued by Robin Carlisle, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, March 15 2013

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