The Eastern Cape Department of Transport said at least two people were confirmed dead while at least 18 others were injured in the collision between a fuel tanker and long distance bus on the N2 towards Mthatha. A fuel tanker carrying diesel and a long distance bus carrying passengers collided on the N2 towards Mthatha in the Eastern Cape: Picture: Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
AS PEOPLE travel back home after the long weekend, the KZN Transport Department has warned motorists to be cautious after a collision between a fuel tanker and a long distance bus left at least two dead and scores injured in the Eastern Cape pass Brakfontein Bridge towards Mthatha.
In a Facebook post late on Monday afternoon, the department said: “The driving public should be cautious as there has been a terrible accident on the N2 … ”
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport said at least two people were confirmed dead while at least 18 others were injured.
It said the accident occurred at about 9.20am on the N2 road near Kwelera between East London and Kei Bridge.
According to the department, the tanker caught fire after the crash.
The injured were transported to Frere Hospital, said the Eastern Cape Department of Transport.
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality advised motorists travelling towards the N2 to follow alternative diverted routes after the accident which they further advised occurred just past Brakfontein Bridge towards Mthatha.
The municipality said its emergency personnel were on-site trying to assist the victims and to douse the fire. It noted that the tanker was carrying diesel.
“Emergency teams have managed to rescue and free passengers who have multiple injuries ranging from medium to serious,” said the municipality.
The N2 is closed on both sides with traffic diverted on Lilifontein old farm road, said the municipality, adding that more updates would follow once on-site teams are able to contain the scene and lift the bus.
The municipality said there were 19 patients: “1 Red Critical, 4 Red, 14 yellow and 2 Blue.”
Less serious patients were taken to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, said the municipality.
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