Eastern Cape accidents declared a provincial disaster

The Eastern Cape government has declared the two accidents that left 45 people dead at the weekend, a provincial disaster.

Thirty-five people died on when the bus in which they were travelling plunged into a dry river near the Congo Bridge near Nkelekethe Village, between Butterworth and Willovale.

In a separate accident, 10 people died when a Toyota Quantum overturned, seven people died at the scene and three died in hospital.

Speaking on behalf of Premier Phumulo Masualle, provincial communications spokesperson Mandisa Titi said 53 people had died at the weekend in the Eastern Cape.

“These deaths shocked and saddened all of us. We all know that the pain of losing a loved one is too much to bear. Some families have lost breadwinners and more than one member.

“As a province we have never experienced anything like this before and after consultation with key members of the executive committee we agreed that it will be appropriate to declare the two accidents provincial disasters.”

Titi said this means emergency humanitarian assistance would be provided to stricken families.

The bus company has also committed to cooperate with the investigations, said Titi.

The Eastern Cape transport department said a memorial service for the 35 people would be held in ward 29 in Willovale on Thursday and a memorial service for the Cradock families would be held on Friday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of those who perished. We wish those who were injured a speedy recovery,” said Titi.

Amanda Khoza, News24