RTMC waiting for bus crash report

2012-07-03 12:35

Meyerton bus crash. (ER24)

Johannesburg - The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said on Tuesday it was waiting for a report on the cause of the bus accident that claimed 19 lives near Meyerton.

"The investigation has been [completed], we are now waiting for the outcome of the mechanical forensic inspection report," RTMC spokesperson Ashref Ismail said.

"It will take four to six weeks to complete."

Ismail said nothing more could be done until the report was finalised.

Last Monday, a Putco bus driver lost control of the vehicle on the R59 outside Meyerton, in the Vaal Triangle. It crashed through a bridge railing and fell 10m to the ground, landing on its side.

Fifty-five people were injured, three of them critically. The driver was among those killed.

The bus was reportedly among eight Putco buses taken off the road after it failed a June 12 roadworthy test at the Meyerton testing station.

After conflicting roadworthy test outcomes were released by the Sedibeng municipality, Putco promised on Friday to "scrupulously" investigate reports that the bus was unroadworthy.

A preliminary investigation showed the bus failed one roadworthiness test, but passed another.

- SAPA