Draft:2024 Van Rhyns Pass bus crash
| 2024 Van Rhyns Pass bus crash | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Date | September 2, 2024 ~17:20 SAST |
| Location | Van Rhyns Pass, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Country | South Africa |
| Operator | TP Williams Vervoer |
| Incident type | Bus crash, plunge down mountainside |
| Cause | Under investigation (possible tyre or brake failure) |
| Statistics | |
| Passengers | 38 |
| Deaths | 10 |
| Injured | 29 |
On 2 September 2024, a bus carrying 38 seasonal construction workers lost control and veered off the R27 at Van Rhyns Pass, Western Cape, South Africa. The bus plunged down a mountainside, killing 10 people including the driver and injuring 29 others who were taken to hospitals in Vredendal and nearby towns.[1]
Background
[edit]Van Rhyns Pass is a steep and winding stretch of the R27 highway, known for dangerous driving conditions with sharp bends and limited guardrails. The pass connects Vanrhynsdorp and Calvinia and is frequently used by buses transporting seasonal workers from the Northern Cape to Western Cape projects.[2]
Incident
[edit]The bus, operated by TP Williams Vervoer, was transporting workers from Keimoes, Upington, and Kenhardt to a renewable energy site near Ceres. Preliminary investigations indicate the bus lost control possibly due to tyre failure or brake problems and crashed through a guardrail before tumbling down a mountainside.[3]
Emergency services responded promptly. Ten people died at the scene and 29 were hospitalized, some with serious injuries.[4]
Casualties
[edit]Ten passengers including the driver were confirmed dead. Twenty-nine others were injured, with injuries ranging from critical to moderate.[5]
Investigation
[edit]The South African Police Service (SAPS) opened a culpable homicide investigation. Early findings point to possible mechanical failure or driver error. The Western Cape Government confirmed the vehicle had passed roadworthiness checks prior to the accident.[6]
Reactions
[edit]Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku offered condolences to victims’ families and praised rescue teams. The provincial government and national agencies urged caution when driving on steep mountainous roads.[7]
Mayor Marshall Matthys of Kai !Garib Municipality held memorials and visited the families of victims.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ Ngcobo, Sipho (3 September 2024). "Ten killed, dozens injured in Van Rhyns Pass bus crash". SABC News. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ Smith, Johan (4 September 2024). "Dangerous conditions at Van Rhyns Pass highlighted after crash". IOL. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ Khuzwayo, Thandi (3 September 2024). "Bus crash claims 10 lives at Van Rhyns Pass". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ Ngcobo, Sipho (3 September 2024). "Ten killed, dozens injured in Van Rhyns Pass bus crash". SABC News. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ Ngcobo, Sipho (3 September 2024). "Ten killed, dozens injured in Van Rhyns Pass bus crash". SABC News. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ Mbeki, Thabo (4 September 2024). "Police investigate Van Rhyns Pass bus crash". South African Police Service. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ Botha, Annelise (3 September 2024). "Government responds to Van Rhyns Pass tragedy". Government of South Africa. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ Smith, Johan (4 September 2024). "Communities mourn after Van Rhyns Pass bus crash". IOL. Retrieved 3 July 2025.