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Mechanical failure and not wearing safety belts possible reasons for deadly EC bus crash


The Eastern Cape Transport Department says a preliminary investigation has pointed to possible mechanical failure as the cause of last month's horror bus accident in the Kei Cuttings.

On Thursday afternoon, MEC Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe will lead a cleansing ceremony at the site of the crash, which ultimately claimed 31 lives.

In a short statement, the Transport Department says the preliminary investigation also noted that the impact of the crash on the passengers may have been a result of them not using seatbelts.

Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, says they're considering a recommendation to create speed calming measures on that section of the N2 between East London and Butterworth, which carries high traffic volumes.

DMJ-Transport, based in Cape Town, said their operators obey the speed limit as their entire fleet is monitored by the latest and most advanced fleet management software.

They also state on their website that two coach operators are used at any given time to ensure passenger safety.

Survivors reportedly said that they had to change coaches in Qonce, after the first bus broke down.