Two men have been killed and four other people sustained critical burn wounds after a petrol bomb was hurled at a double-decker InterCape bus in Strand on Tuesday night.
City of Cape Town mayoral committee member for safety and security Jean-Pierre Smith said that several other passengers, who were seated on the top deck of the bus, were also being treated for burn wounds.
Smith said the bus caught alight after the attack which happened on the Onverwacht Road, near the N2 highway, in Strand.
“No one is claiming responsibility. It all happened very quickly,” Smith said.
The city dispatched two fire engines and a rescue vehicle to the scene.
Police and paramedics from the Metro ambulance service and ER24 responded to the scene.
“It’s madness. It’s just too horrible. This is a long distance bus…and somewhere there is a mother or daughter or sister waiting for these two men who burnt to death,” Smith said.
“Whatever the motives of this deranged person of persons are that threw this petrol bomb, it’s too awful for words and I hope SAPS catch them quickly.
Smith was unable to confirm where the bus came from or was en route to, although a paramedic from ER24 informed Algoa FM news that the bus was possible en route to Port Elizabeth.
Police spokeswoman Noloyiso Rwexana said their officers were still on scene, and she was waiting to be briefed on the situation.
Comment could not immediately be obtained from InterCape.
