At 20:28 PM on Friday, 03 August 2012 a bus of Golden Arrow lost control on the Mew Way Bridge in Khayelitsha next to the N2 highway.
The bus swerved off the roadway and accidentally driven through the road barrier whereafter it destroyed six (6) shacks and was brought to halt by a house.
The formal house sustained structural damages and the City’s building inspectorate has declared the dwelling unsafe.
Upon arrival of the City’s Fire & Rescue Services and disaster response teams it was established that five (5) people including a child that where living in the shacks were injured.
Two (2) people were in a critical condition and three (3) other has sustained serious injuries.
The patients were treated and stabilised on the scene by the City’s Fire & Rescue Services, Western Cape METRO Emergency Medical Services and ER24 whereafter they were transported to various hospitals in the area for further medical attention.
At the time of the accident the bus was not transporting any passengers.
The City’s disaster response teams had to make use of specialised rescue vehicles and equipment for cutting purposes and lifting the bus.
The salvaging operation of the bus was only completed at 04:00 AM this morning as the City’s disaster response teams struggled with clearing up the area.
It is alleged from eyewitness accounts that the bus was stoned by protestors that resulted in the accident.
The management of Golden Arrow Bus Services inspected the bus and following the assessment it was clear that it has been stoned as visible marks was on the left side of the bus and the front windows where thrown out.
It appears to be an isolated incident that occurred, however a directive has been issued to the City’s Metropolitan Police Department and the Law Enforcement Services to be on high-alert in the area to act accordingly to any persons that is riotous during protest action and to deter any volatile situation.
The driver, Andile Hoko, has succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased on the scene by paramedics.
The City’s Traffic Services reopened Lansdowne and Mew Way Roads to general traffic at 05:09 AM this morning when the area was made safe.
The City’s disaster response teams will be assisting the families which shacks were destroyed as a result of the accident with building material; food parcels; clothing and blankets.
End
Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town
Wilfred Schrevian Evan Solomons-Johannes
Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects
Acting Head: Disaster Operations Centre
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