Death toll in Eastern Cape bus crash rises to 25
The death toll in the Eastern Cape bus crash has risen to 25.
On Monday the driver of a bus carrying passengers between Butterworth and Centane in the Eastern Cape lost control on a gravel road and plunged 200 metres down the steep gorge.
The initial body count stood at 21 but more people succumbed to their injuries during rescue operations.
It's estimated that at least 90 people were on board the bus certified to carry 65 people.
Spokesperson for the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape Sizwe Kupelo says all 25 were declared dead on the scene.
"The emergency operators are now finishing the rescue operations on the scene."
He adds the rescue operation was difficult due to the terrain.
"It has not been easy.
"It became very clear in the morning that Health was not going to cope on its own hence the call for SAPS (South African Police Service) to assist with the rescue operation. We initially thought there would be a need for the army to assist but fortunately colleagues were able to work around the clock," he adds.
More than 60 people were taken to various hospitals for treatment.
A three-year-old child is also among those critically injured.
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