/ 10 November 2007

Driver detained after horror Boland bus crash

The driver of a bus that went over a cliff near Piketberg in the Boland, killing nine people, has been charged with culpable homicide, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) news reported on Saturday.

Farm manager Wikus Nel said the bus was taking 42 agricultural workers back to their homes when the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle on Friday night.

Eight people died at the scene, and others were seriously injured. On Friday night, a ninth person died of serious injuries in hospital.

Western Cape minister of agriculture Cobus Dowry said special equipment was being used on Saturday morning to lift the bus to see if any other bodies were underneath it.

He also said the driver had conceded to being ”under the influence” at the time of the accident.

The SABC said Western Cape police denied the arrest of the driver.

On Saturday, the Congress of South African Trade Unions said the roadworthiness of all vehicles used to transport workers should be inspected. ”Cosatu demands a full investigation into the cause of this incident and the prosecution of anyone found to have been responsible.” — Sapa