Premier Sefora Ntombela has appealed for caution on the roads following a bus crash that killed eight and left dozens injured on the N8 near Botshabelo on Thursday morning.
The bus, which was ferrying 62 passengers, was on its way to Bloemfontein when it collided with a truck.
Seven people were declared dead on the scene of the accident, while one later succumbed to injuries at Pelonomi Hospital.
According to the provincial government, 32 passengers sustained minor injuries, 19 were moderately injured while two are in a critical condition.
All the injured are currently receiving care at Botshabelo Hospital, Moroka Hospital and Pelonomi Hospital.
In a statement released by her office, the Free State premier urged road users to exercise patience on the road and to be extra vigilant, adding that with the festive season fast approaching road carnages were likely to increase.
“We have learned with much sadness about the accident which claimed the lives of eight people on the N8 road near Botshabelo this morning. Dozens more people who were in the bus have sustained injuries in this terrible accident,” Ntombela said.
“We appeal to all road users to exercise patience and drive within the prescribed speed limit to avoid such incidents.
“With the festive season almost upon us, we once again make an appeal to all the road users to drive with caution to avoid unnecessary loss of lives on our roads.”
She also extended, on behalf of the Free State provincial government, condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident and also wished the injured a speedy recovery. – Staff Reporter