A routine morning commute on 11 March 2025 turned into a nightmare after a Gauteng bus crash occurred near O.R. Tambo International Airport; 16 people were killed and others were injured. The survivors recall the terrifying moment when the bus lost its control and overturned. They were trapped and fought for their lives. Still in shock, one passenger said, “I thought that I was dead.”
The accident in South Africa has renewed calls for stricter measures to improve road safety, especially in the public transport sector.
What Happened?
Reports indicate that the bus, which was transporting passengers from the Katlehong township, veered off the road near an R21 exit. When emergency responders arrived, they found a horrifying scene. Several passengers were ejected out of the bus, while others were trapped in the wreckage. 12 people died at the scene and 4 others succumbed from their injuries in the hospital. At least eleven passengers remain in critical condition and twenty-four others suffered serious injuries.
“I just saw people screaming” – Survivors Speak Out
The Gauteng Bus crash will be a memory that those who survived will never forget. The moment the bus lost its control was described by a passenger who is still recovering. “One minute we were on the road and the next everything was spinning.” Then I lost consciousness. I saw people screaming and then blacked out .”.
A second survivor recounted the incident from his hospital bed: “I was sitting at the front. I heard a loud boom, and then I found myself on the ground, bleeding, outside. I don’t remember how I got to that place .”
Government Response: “We cannot lose more lives.”
Barbra Creecy South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Barbra Crescy, expressed her deep concern about the growing number of fatal bus accidents in Gauteng. She said, “This is only the third serious accident that has occurred in a week.” We cannot afford any more deaths due to preventable crashes .”.
Road Traffic Management Corporation launched an investigation to determine the cause of this accident. The preliminary findings indicate that a fatigued driver and mechanical failure could have played a part.
ALSO READ: Cyril Ramaphosa Mourns 16 Lives Lost in Gauteng Bus Crash, Wishes Injured a Speedy Recovery
Are South Africa’s Roads Safe? Public Transport Crisis Growing
The Gauteng Bus Crash has reignited concern about Public Transport Safety. According to statistics from 2024, accidents in taxis and buses accounted for 40 percent of all road deaths across the country.
Professor Johan Pretorius is a transport safety specialist at the UJ Transport Research. He warns that lack of training and poor maintenance are two major factors in these tragedies. He says, “Many operators of buses neglect to perform routine safety checks which increases the likelihood of mechanical failures.” To prevent these incidents, authorities must enforce more stringent regulations .”
A Call for Stricter Regulations
Advocate groups such as the South African Road Safety Council are calling for accountability from bus operators. SARSC spokesperson Lindiwe Mthethwa said that public transport operators should put safety above profit. Companies should be held accountable for failing to perform safety checks .”
Department of Transport has responded by considering vehicle roadworthiness checks every six months on all public transport buses. This initiative is designed to reduce accidents that are caused by vehicles that are not properly maintained.
What must change after the Gauteng bus crash?
The horrific Gauteng Bus Crash has highlighted the urgent need to make systemic changes within South Africa’s transport sector. Experts recommend these measures to prevent future tragedies:
- More stringent enforcement of vehicle maintenance laws
- Driver fatigue monitoring and regular driver training
- Road safety awareness campaigns
- Improved emergency response times at accident sites
Urgent action is required to stop more deaths.
No policy change will ease the pain of the families who have lost loved ones as a result of the Gauteng Bus Crash. The trauma that occurred on that morning will also affect survivors for many years. This tragedy should serve as a warning to for stricter enforcement in public transport and better road safety.
South Africa must take immediate and decisive steps to prevent future catastrophes.
ALSO READ: A Week of Fatal Crashes in The East Rand: School Bus and Truck Collide in Germiston
