Six women were killed and approximately 50 others were injured when a bus rear-ended a stationary truck on the N8, about 15 km outside of Bloemfontein in the Free State, on Monday.
ER24 said their paramedics, along with several other services, arrived on the scene and found the bus and truck on the side of the road. The entire one side of the bus had been ripped open in the collision.
“Upon closer inspection, paramedics found several patients lying next to the bus while numerous others were found walking around on the scene,” said spokesperson Russel Meiring.
“Paramedics assessed the patients and found that six women had sustained fatal injuries and showed no signs of life. Unfortunately, nothing could be done for them and they were declared dead,” he said.
Meiring said that approximately 50 other patients were found on the scene. Assessments showed that their injuries ranged from minor to critical.
“Paramedics treated the patients and provided the critically injured with advanced life support interventions. Once treated, the patients were transported to various hospitals in the area for further treatment,” he added.
“One of the critically injured was airlifted by the Provincial Services Helicopter to a hospital for urgent treatment,” said Meiring.
(Pic: ER24)
