Moloto crash to be probed

"The investigation team consists of the Road Traffic Management Corporation and traffic authorities in Mpumalanga," said spokesman Tiyani Rikhotso.

   

Twenty-nine people were killed when a bus collided with a truck on Moloto Road near Kwaggafontein on Monday night.

   

He said the team would investigate the cause of the accident and  recommend interventions to prevent a repeat of such an accident.

   

The department would also go ahead with plans to expand the Moloto Road and reduce the number of trucks on the road.

   

"We are looking into moving the transportation of heavy goods from road to rail to reduce the number of trucks on the road networks," said Rikhotso.

   

He said Peters sent her condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

   

The Mpumalanga safety department said 26 people were killed on the scene and three were dead on arrival at KwaMhlanga Hospital.

 

Eight people were critically injured.

   

Department spokesman Joseph Mabuza said the accident happened when a truck collided with a stationary bus.

   

"The truck driver did not see the bus until it was too late. The truck driver swerved to the right to try and avoid the bus," he said.

   

Bus company, Putco, confirmed on Tuesday morning that the bus involved belonged to them.

   

Spokesman Romeo More also confirmed that the bus driver was among those killed.

   

"Putco's managing director, Franco Pisapia, expressed his shock at the horrific accident," he said. 

   

More said the company had sent officials to visit the injured and help where possible.

   

"A full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident and Putco will co-operate fully with authorities in this regard."

   

Acting government spokeswoman Phumla Williams said government was deeply saddened and also sent deepest condolences to the families involved.

   

"Government is saddened by the unfortunate loss of lives in this  tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. We wish all the injured a speedy recovery," she said.

  

"Courtesy, patience and abiding by the rules of the road will play a significant role in reducing road accidents," she said.

   

-Sapa