The bus was travelling from Cape Town to Zimbabwe when it overturned about 24km north of Trompsburg on Thursday night (30/7). Emergency medical services were called to the scene shortly after the crash at around 21:30.

Sixty-six patients were transported to hospital following the crash,Free State health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said. “Eleven people were declared dead at the scene, while another person succumbed to their injuries this morning.”

Sixty-five injured passengers were taken to Albert Nzula Hospital in Trompsburg, near the crash scene, while one patient was transferred to Pelonomi Trauma Hospital in Bloemfontein.

Recovery underway after the bus accident on the N1. Photo supplied

Fifty-seven patients sustained minor injuries, four are in a critical condition, and five suffered serious injuries, Mvambi said. Five children and six adults were declared dead on the scene.

Authorities have urged motorists to avoid the affected section of the N1 and use alternative routes. Motorists travelling from Bloemfontein to Cape Town should take the Edenburg exit onto the R717 and travel approximately 40km to Trompsburg before rejoining the N1.

The accident near Trompsburg on Thursday night. Photo supplied

Those travelling from Cape Town to Bloemfontein should take the R717 at Trompsburg and rejoin the N1 at Edenburg. Road users have been urged to cooperate with traffic officials and obey all signs along the diversion routes.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Further updates are expected from the Free State department of community safety, roads and transport.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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