/ 1 August 2005

Thirteen die in Free State bus crash

Thirteen people died in a collision between a bus and a van between Rouxville and Smithfield on Monday morning, Free State police reported.

The accident occurred at about 1am, said Sergeant Thandi Mbambo.

”The truck was apparently parked partially on the side of the road after a mechanical problem.

”The bus was travelling in the same direction in which the truck was parked. As it was apparently driving around the truck, it crashed into the oncoming Venture.”

Mbambo said 10 bus passengers and an occupant of the Venture died at the scene.

”Two other people died later in hospital. The bus driver is among the injured.”

Mbambo said it is still unclear how many other people suffered injuries. — Sapa