Ten people died and more than 31 were injured in a collision between a bus and a truck on the N6 just outside of Reddersburg at 04:20.
The N6 are now open for traffic after it was closed for hours after the horrific accident.
The City-to-City bus carrying 35 passengers, collided with a truck between Reddersburg and Smithfield.
Ten passengers, including a two year old girl, six women and three men died on the scene. The drivers of both the truck and the bus survived the crash.
Emergency services responded swiftly. Five passengers with serious injuries were transported to hospitals in Bloemfontein, while 22 injured passengers received treatment at the Stoffel Coetzee Hospital in Smithfield.
Preliminary reports indicate that the bus was traveling from the direction of Reddersburg towards Smithfield, while the truck was heading in the opposite direction. The collision was a side-swipe head-on impact. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, and a case of culpable homicide has been opened.
The MEC for Community Safety, Roads, and Transport, Mr. Jabu Mbalula, mourned the insident and the loss of life. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families.” and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
Premier Letsoha-Mathae is shattered by the loss of lives and has, on behalf of the Free State Provincial Government and the general populace, conveyed condolences to all the affected families.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution while traveling in the area as emergency personnel remain on the scene.
