Horror crash: 12 killed, passengers thrown onto highway as bus overturns in South Africa

A devastating bus accident on a major South African highway claimed the lives of at least 12 people and left 45 others injured, local emergency services confirmed on Tuesday. The tragic incident occurred near Johannesburg‘s O.R. Tambo International Airport when the bus overturned, ejecting several passengers onto the roadway.

Authorities launched an urgent rescue operation, fearing more victims could be trapped beneath the wreckage. Emergency teams worked to lift the bus back onto its wheels as paramedics treated the injured at the scene.

William Nthladi, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Emergency Management, described the scene as “chaotic,” with bodies scattered across the highway. Officials covered some of the deceased with silver blankets while personal belongings such as handbags and lunch boxes lay strewn across the crash site.

Passengers Thrown From Bus in Deadly Crash

According to emergency responders, the bus had been transporting passengers from the township of Katlehong, east of Johannesburg. The accident occurred in the early hours of the morning, sending shockwaves through the community.

Local councillor Andile Mngwevu, who arrived at the crash site, said the scale of the tragedy was overwhelming. He expressed condolences to the victims’ families, acknowledging the immense grief of those who had expected their loved ones to return home safely that day.

“The city is in mourning. This is a disaster that has left us lost for words,” Mngwevu stated.

Investigators Seek Answers as Death Toll Rises

With no other vehicles involved, investigators are working to determine what caused the fatal bus crash. While details remain scarce, officials are considering multiple factors, including driver fatigue, mechanical failure, and road conditions.

The bus driver, who survived the crash, was among those transported to the hospital with injuries. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the driver provided any insight into the moments leading up to the accident.

Nthladi reported that injuries among the survivors ranged from minor to critical. Many were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care. The full extent of the casualties is still being assessed, with emergency personnel monitoring the condition of those in intensive care.

South Africa’s Transport Safety Under Scrutiny

The incident has reignited concerns over South Africa‘s road safety regulations, particularly regarding public transport vehicles. The country has long struggled with a high rate of road accidents, often attributed to reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and inadequate infrastructure.

While official statistics for 2025 are yet to be released, past reports from the Road Traffic Management Corporation indicate that thousands of lives are lost annually in road accidents, with bus crashes among the most devastating.

Transport safety experts argue that stricter enforcement of regulations, including vehicle inspections and driver fatigue management, is critical to preventing similar tragedies. The latest accident is likely to intensify calls for improved oversight of public transport operators.

Survivors Recount Terrifying Moments

Some of the injured passengers who regained consciousness described the horrifying ordeal. One survivor, speaking from a hospital bed, said they felt the bus veering sharply before it rolled over.

“There was screaming, and then everything went dark,” they recalled. “I woke up on the road, with people crying all around me.”

Another survivor said the impact threw them from their seat, leaving them disoriented and in pain.

Emergency responders confirmed that several victims had to be stabilised on-site before being moved to medical facilities. Authorities are expected to provide updates as the situation develops.

Authorities Urge Caution as Investigation Continues

While the cause of the crash remains unknown, transport officials have urged drivers and public transport operators to exercise extreme caution.

The government is expected to launch a formal investigation to determine whether negligence or technical failure played a role in the accident. If mechanical issues are found to be a factor, the transport ministry may enforce stricter regulations on commercial bus fleets.

For now, Johannesburg mourns the tragic loss of life, as families await answers on what led to one of South Africa’s deadliest road accidents this year.