Nine church members, including a child, died when the bus they were travelling in lost control and plunged down an embankment yesterday. The horrific accident took place between Richards Bay and Shaka's Kraal on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast.

NINE DEAD, SCORES INJURED 

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), more than thirty passengers suffered injuries, ranging from critical to minor. RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said the incident resulted in the deaths of seven women, one child, and one man. "Additionally, four individuals sustained serious injuries, thirty-five suffered minor injuries, and twelve remained uninjured.

INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED 

Zwane said their team and the police have started investigating the case to establish the cause of the crash. "A team from the Road Traffic Management Corporation has started with the South African Police Services to establish the cause of a crash that claimed the lives of nine people on the N2 between Richards Bay and Shaka's Kraal,' Zwane said. He added that reports suggest that the crash happened due to a tyre failure, causing the driver to lose control. "The bus subsequently went through a crash barrier, plunged down an embankment, and overturned,' he added. The precise cause of the crash is still subject to an ongoing investigation. MEC for Transport in KZN Siboniso Duma will visit the bus accident scene to assess the wreckage this morning. Duma also sends his condolences to the families of the deceased. "Our hearts are with the families of the victims. We express our appreciation to the hard-working emergency team that was involved in the rescue operation. We wish those injured a speedy recovery. They have been taken to various hospitals in Ilembe District Municipality,' Duma said.