A preliminary investigation into the deadly bus crash in Tongaat on Tuesday has revealed that brake failure may have caused the vehicle to plunge off a bridge, resulting in the deaths of three women and injuries to 12 others.
The 30-seater bus veered off the R102 before plummeting more than 50 meters from the Tongaat River Bridge, coming to rest on the riverbed below. Emergency responders mounted a high-risk rescue operation, using a rope and pulley system to hoist the injured passengers back to safety.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya confirmed that the victims were from the Burbreeze area.
“The MEC has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident,” said Sibiya. “He also wishes a full and speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries.”
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with authorities focusing on potential mechanical failure as a contributing factor. Transport officials and law enforcement continue to examine the scene for further evidence.