More than 70 people were left injured when two buses collided at the entrance of the University of Johannesburg. The horrific accident happened earlier today as most parts of Gauteng experienced heavy mist. A number of students from the institution were also part of those who were reported injured when the two buses collided outside Kingsway Campus in Auckland Park.
CAUSE OF ACCIDENT UNKNOWN
ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said the exact details surrounding the accident are unknown but local authorities are investigating. He said emergency services arrived on the scene to find one bus on its side and the other had stopped a short distance away. "Several passengers were seen walking around the vehicles. Local authorities began to divert traffic while medics tended to the patients. On assessment, medics found approximately seventy-seven patients had sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe. Fortunately, no fatalities were found. The patients were treated for their injuries, and the seriously injured were provided with advanced life support before they were transported to various hospitals for further care,"he said. He said with the assistance of the Johannesburg Fire Department, several patients were extricated using specialised hydraulic equipment including the Jaws of Life.
APPROACH WITH CAUTION
UJ has confirmed that 19 of their students were in one of the buses and UJ medical support was immediately on the scene to assist. The university's Media Relations Manager, Herman Esterhuizen, added that three students were taken to the hospital while sixteen with minor injuries were treated at the UJ medical facility. "Counselling is being provided and our thoughts and prayers are with the students and their families." JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed the accident and said emergency services and JMPD officers were on the scene. "We can confirm an accident involving two buses on Kingsway Avenue in Rossmore, at the University of Johannesburg entrance. Multiple injuries have been reported. Motorists are urged to approach the area with caution or use alternative routes"