A report on the Saulspoort bus tragedy, released on Thursday, stated that brakes were defective on at least three of the disaster bus’s wheels.
Free State MEC for public works, roads and transport Sekhopi Malebo released the report, compiled by a Pretoria company specialising in such investigations.
Engineering Dynamics and Design Consultants had reconstructed the accident of May 1 that claimed the lives of 51 Northern Cape union members.
Its findings revealed serious mechanical defects that undoubtedly affected the vehicle’s roadworthiness, Malebo said. The bus, owned by a Northern Cape operator, plunged into a dam on the outskirts of Bethlehem in the eastern Free State. Its passengers were Northern Cape union members on their way to a
Workers’ Day rally in nearby Qwa Qwa.
In the report released on Thursday it was found that the brakes at both rear wheels were defective, applying smaller braking forces on them.
The front braking system did not provide any force to the left wheel. Excessive free play on the left and right front brakes probably lessened their efficiency.
Oil in the air system indicated that the air compressor was probably defective. This would have resulted in the braking system not being charged to capacity.
Malebo pleaded on Thursday with the relatives of the disaster victims to ”act with restraint” with regard to the owners and employees of the particular bus company.
A task team with representatives of the Northern Cape and Free State governments, Cosatu and the Sol Plaatje municipality in Kimberley would brief the families on
Different ”brake boosters” were installed on the rear axle, probably causing unequal braking forces on the wheels at the back.
November 10. – Sapa