At least 16 people have been killed and 20 others injured after a long-distance bus overturned in South Africa’s Western Cape province, authorities confirmed.
The bus was travelling from Cape Town to Idutywa with an estimated 78 passengers on board when the driver reportedly swerved to avoid colliding with a delivery vehicle, causing the bus to overturn.
Footage from the scene showed the white passenger bus lying on its side beside the road as emergency crews rushed to assist victims trapped inside the wreckage.
Initial reports indicated that nine people had died. However, rescue teams later confirmed that 16 bodies had been recovered from the crash site.
The 20 injured passengers were taken to a hospital in Worcester, about 75 miles from Cape Town, for medical treatment, while another 43 passengers declined further medical assistance.
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson Simon Zwane said the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by the RTMC and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
South African President **Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the victims’ families, describing the tragedy as a painful reminder of the importance of road safety.
Ramaphosa urged all road users—including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and transport operators—to exercise extreme caution and help ensure roads remain safe rather than becoming “death traps” caused by reckless behaviour.
The crash was the country’s second fatal bus accident this week. On Wednesday, another bus travelling towards the Beitbridge border overturned in Limpopo, killing its driver and injuring several passengers.
Authorities have also warned motorists to take extra care during the winter season, when fog, smoke, black ice and poor visibility significantly increase the risk of serious road accidents.
