Bus overturns in South Africa, at least 16 killed in tragic crash PHOTO

At least 16 people were killed and 20 others injured after a passenger bus overturned in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province in the early hours of June 2, authorities said.

The bus was carrying 78 passengers from Cape Town in the Western Cape to Idutywa in the Eastern Cape, Caliber.Az reports per Associated Press (AP).

“It is alleged that the bus swerved to avoid colliding with a delivery vehicle when the driver lost control and the vehicle overturned,” Road Traffic Management Corporation spokesperson Simon Zwane said.

Initial reports suggested nine fatalities, but further examination at the scene later confirmed that the death toll had risen to 16.

The injured were taken to hospital in Worcester, around 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Cape Town, while at least 43 passengers declined medical treatment.

“The cause of the crash will be subject to the ongoing investigation by the RTMC and the South African Police Service,” said Zwane.

Authorities have urged motorists to exercise extra caution during the winter season, citing reduced visibility caused by fog.

By Jeyhun Aghazada