Emergency crews confront chaos amid the wreckage
First responders praised for swift, heroic actions
The site of the fatal bus crash on Vanrhyns Pass in the Western Cape on September 2, 2024. Photo: X.
Staff Reporter
Ten people have died, and twelve others have been left with critical injuries after a passenger bus veered off the treacherous Vanrhyns Pass at approximately 17h20 on Monday, 2 September 2024.
The bus, carrying construction workers en route to a wind farm project in Ceres, plummeted down the perilous mountain pass, resulting in a catastrophic crash that has shaken the Western Cape.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, encountering a harrowing landscape of wreckage and chaos as the bus lay crumpled against the rugged terrain. Initial reports suggested the passengers were agricultural workers, but authorities later confirmed they were construction labourers.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the SAPS.
The Western Cape Government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families.
“Our hearts are shattered by the loss of ten lives in this devastating accident. We stand with the grieving families during this unbearable time, and our thoughts are with those still fighting for their lives,” said Sileku.
The injured were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals, where they are receiving urgent medical care.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness confirmed that 39 passengers were assessed at the scene, with ten tragic fatalities.
“We commend the relentless efforts of our EMS teams, who faced overwhelming challenges in providing life-saving care under such tragic circumstances,” said Health and Wellness Minister, Mireille Wenger.
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, paid tribute to the first responders who arrived at the scene, describing their actions as heroic.
“The dedication and bravery shown by emergency workers in the face of this catastrophe are nothing short of extraordinary,” said Bredell.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Western Cape Department of Social Development has mobilised support services to aid those affected. Social Development Minister Jaco Londt stated that trauma counselling and debriefing would be made available to survivors and the families of the victims, particularly those from the Northern Cape, who have been hit hardest by the disaster.
As investigations continue into the cause of this horrific crash, authorities are urging the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this time of mourning.