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Bus Crash in South Africa's Western Cape Leaves 16 Dead and 20 Injured
Authorities said the bus lost control after swerving to avoid a delivery vehicle, and recovery teams are still extracting remaining occupants.
On Thursday, a bus carrying 73 passengers overturned near Touws River in the Western Cape during early morning hours, resulting in 16 confirmed fatalities and prompting a major emergency response.
Road Traffic Management Corporation spokesperson Simon Zwane stated the driver lost control after swerving to avoid a delivery vehicle, with investigations by the RTMC and South African Police Services now underway.
Twenty occupants sustained injuries and were transported to Worcester Hospital for treatment, while at least 43 passengers refused medical attention at the scene.
Western Cape Mobility Chief Director of Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout confirmed the fatalities, as authorities implemented a stop-and-go system on the highway to manage traffic and assist recovery operations.
This incident marks the second fatal bus crash in South Africa this week, following a Wednesday collision in Limpopo that killed a driver transporting Malawians to the Beitbridge border.