A DEVASTATING accident on the N6 highway in the Free State has claimed 10 lives and left 27 others injured, some critically.
The tragic collision occurred around 04:20 am on Wednesday, approximately 15 km south of Reddersburg towards Smithfield.
A City to City bus, carrying 35 passengers, was involved in a side-swipe head-on collision with an oncoming truck.
Among the deceased are a two-year-old girl, six women and three men, all of whom died at the scene.
The drivers of both the bus and the truck survived the crash.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with five critically injured passengers rushed to the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein.
Twenty-two others received treatment at the Stoffel Coetzee Hospital in Smithfield.
The bodies of the deceased have been transported to the Forensic Pathology Services in Bloemfontein.
Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula expressed deep sorrow over the accident.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” he said.
“As we mourn this profound loss, we urge all road users to exercise extreme caution and adhere to road safety regulations.
“We must work together to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.”
The Free State provincial government has extended condolences to the victims’ families and pledged support for those affected.
Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, alongside members of the Provincial Executive Council, is set to visit the injured at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital.
Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele confirmed that authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened.
“A tragic accident on the N6 between Reddersburg and Smithfield claimed the lives of 10 people in the early hours of this morning,” Makhele stated.
“Emergency services responded swiftly, and preliminary reports indicate the collision was a side-swipe head-on impact.”
Motorists are advised to exercise caution while traveling in the area, as emergency personnel remain on the scene.
Authorities will provide further updates as investigations continue. – Staff Reporter