GERMISTON - The death toll of the bus crash on the R21 near OR Tambo International Airport Interchange has risen to 16.
Over 40 injured people were rushed to various hospitals in the City of Ekurhuleni including Tembisa Hospital, Tambo Memorial and Edenvale Hospital.
It is reported that the driver of the bus survived the crash.
The City of Ekurhuleni said the bus involved in the deadly crash on the R21 was roadworthy.
City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed that the municipality owns the bus, that it had undergone thorough safety testing, and that it was recently issued a certificate of fitness.
He further said that the driver was familiar with the route, regularly transporting the same commuters to work.
“The bus is ours and belongs to the municipality. We have our own systems for checking the conditions of the buses. We want to understand what happened. We do not want to find ourselves in another tragic accident tomorrow,” he stated.
While the exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear, Dlamini confirmed that the police have been involved in investigating the cause.
Meanwhile, the families of the victims have been flocking to local hospitals in hopes of identifying their loved ones.
One family member, who spoke anonymously to eNCA, expressed the shock and devastation the incident has caused.
“I only received a message on my way to work at around 07:15 that the bus had overturned from there we have been running from one hospital to another trying to find our family members,” she said.
According to the woman, more than one of her family members is in hospital and their injuries are severe.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said they have activated a disaster management centre which families can go to inquire about their family members.