A horrific bus accident near Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, 4 January, left one person dead and at least 57 others injured. The accident, which occurred just before midday on the P100, approximately 60km north of Durban, involved a fully laden bus that overturned, resulting in widespread carnage.
Emergency services, including ALS Paramedics Medical Services and Emergency Rescue Services (EMRS), responded swiftly to the multiple-casualty incident. ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson described the scene upon arrival: "A quick triage system was set up and immediately more ambulances as well as Advanced Life Support Paramedics were dispatched to assist with the multiple casualty scene."
EMRS confirmed that the bus was carrying approximately 90 passengers. The impact of the crash resulted in injuries ranging from moderate to critical among the 57 injured passengers. Paramedics stabilised the injured at the scene before transporting them to various hospitals for further treatment.
Tragically, one fatality was reported. ALS Paramedics confirmed the death of a woman believed to be in her sixties: "One female believed to be in her sixties was found to have sustained major injuries and was declared deceased on the scene." ALS Paramedic Services added that the woman's injuries were so severe that there was nothing paramedics could do to save her.
IPSS Medical Rescue also responded to the incident, confirming the loss of life and the extensive injuries sustained by other passengers. IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Samantha Meyrick stated: "Sadly, one person lost their life." She added that patients were stabilised by paramedics and transported to appropriate facilities for further care.
Both emergency services confirmed that the cause of the accident remains under investigation. The South African Police Service (SAPS) was present at the scene and will be conducting a full investigation into the events leading up to the crash. ALS spokesperson Garrith Jamieson stated: "At this stage, the events leading to the accident are unknown. However, SAPS are on the scene and will be investigating further."
