President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his "profound sadness and concern" at the horrific bus crash on a rural road between Butterworth and Centane in the Eastern Cape that claimed the lives of at least 24 people.
The initial death toll was 25 but was revised down to 24 by the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape.
The bus, allegedly overloaded, was travelling from Cebe Village, Centane when the driver lost control on the gravel road at Gwelane Locality, Zingcuka Village.
Police Spokesperson Colonel Sibongile Soci says 72 people were seriously injured and taken to nearby hospitals.
She says the ages and genders of the deceased are still being checked by forensic officials.
The driver was also killed.
The President said it was a "sad day" for the province and the country.
The South African Police Service is conducting its own investigation as well as the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
