Six people have died and many others were left injured when a bus they were travelling in overturned and rolled in Makgoebaskloof outside Tzaneen in Limpopo this morning. The deceased were part of the ANC supporters who were travelling from Botlokwa to Mbombela stadium in Mpumalanga for the party's 112 birthday rally.

THE BUS ACCIDENT

According to the department of Transport and Community safety in Limpopo, preliminary reports indicate that three buses were following each other when the third bus hit the second one from behind and overturned into a gorge around 3:30 am. Spokesperson The buses were carrying ANC members from the Molemole Subregion within the Capricorn District Municipality. Reports indicate that there are six fatalities from the accident, with several passengers sustaining injuries. The injured passengers have been transferred to hospitals in the Mopani district. The road is currently closed as emergency and rescue personnel are clearing the scene, and further details will be provided in due course. Motorists are requested to use alternative roads," spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene said.

DEVASTATING

Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress Nomvula Mokonyane confirmed the incident. "We were informed this morning that six members of this organisation from Peter Mokaba Region were involved in bus accident while they were travelling to Mbombela from Limpopo. This is a very devastating moment. We are waiting for a report from them. We are saddened by the news and we will do better in their memory," Mokonyane said. Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety Florence Radzilani and other government leaders from the province have been recused from the January 8 Statement in Mbombela to attend to the accident scene. Radzilana will be leading a team of government leaders, including the MEC for Health, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, the Executive Mayor of Mopani District, Pule Shayi, the Mayor of Molemole Local Municipality, Edward Paya, and other government leaders visit the scene of the accident, and patients in various hospitals.