DURBAN - AFTER another bus crash involving Eldo Coaches, a call has been made for increased vigilance and oversight regarding road safety in the province.
IFP spokesperson MP Mkhuleko Hlengwa said this should involve regular vehicle roadworthiness checks, drivers being limited to eight-hour driving stints, and drivers undergoing sobriety tests before each trip.
“The national, provincial, and local governments also need to step up, and ensure that roads are well maintained, and hazards – such as potholes – are swiftly repaired. The SAPS must also increase the number and frequency of standard roadblocks to check that vehicles and their drivers are fit to drive,” Hlengwa said.
One person died and 59 people were injured after a bus belonging to Eldo Coaches veered off the road and crashed on the R56 in Umkomaas Valley near Ixopo on Monday night at around 8.30pm.
ER24 paramedics said the bus was found lying on its side, partially down an embankment. Paramedics assisted 10 people with critical injuries. Twenty sustained moderate injuries and 29 minor injuries.
Eldo Coaches said they were doing their best to assist all the passengers on board. The company said they were co-operating fully with local authorities to ensure the accident was thoroughly investigated.
Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said the driver and passengers were taken to hospital, where a 49-year-old woman later died. A case of culpable homicide was opened for investigation by the Ixopo SAPS.
Last week, 10 people were killed after a bus crashed on the N3 between Durban and Johannesburg. Eldo Coaches said one of the tyres on the bus had blown-out, causing the driver to lose control and the bus to overturn.
Road Safety Action Campaign spokesperson Richard Benson called for a reduction of the speed limit. He said this would reduce the number of vehicle collisions on the road.
Daily News