Preliminary report into Ekurhuleni bus accident suggests sudden braking may have caused crash

JOHANNESBURG - A preliminary report into Tuesday’s horror bus crash on the R21 suggests that sudden braking may have been the cause of the accident.

Thirteen passengers lost their lives when the driver allegedly lost control along the R21 highway while en route to Kempton Park.

Eighty-nine occupants were on board the bus when the accident occurred.

READ: Death toll in Ekurhuleni bus crash revised to 13

A preliminary report suggests that the fatal R21 highway crash may have been caused by sudden and harsh braking.

Thirteen people died when the City of Ekurhuleni bus, authorised to carry 90 passengers, rolled several times before coming to rest on its side.

The accident happened at 6:30 am.

During a media briefing in Kempton Park on Wednesday morning, officials provided details of what they know so far.

Ekurhuleni Mayor, Alderman Xhakaza said: "The preliminary assessment suggests that there was a sudden brake that led to the bus losing control. Further details are subject to verification."

He said that according to their records, the bus was roadworthy.

At least 77 people were injured in the crash and transported to hospital for treatment.