The Premier of the Free State, Sefora Ntombela has learnt with shock and sadness of
an accident which claimed 8 lives on the N8 road this morning, 10 November
2022.
The accident involved a bus, which was bound for Bloemfontein, ferrying 62
passengers and a truck. Seven people were declared dead on the scene and one later
succumbed to injuries at Pelonomi hospital.
Thirty-two (32) passengers sustained minor injuries, nineteen (19) were moderately
injured while two (2) passengers are critically injured. All the injured are currently
receiving care at Botshabelo Hospital, Moroka Hospital and Pelonomi Hospital
respectively.
Premier Ntombela urged road users to exercise patience on the road and to be extra
vigilant. The Premier further warned that, with the festive season fast approaching,
road
carnages were likely to increase and thus appealed for safety on the roads.
“We have learned with much sadness about the accident which claimed the lives of
eight people on the N8 road near Botshabelo this morning. Dozens more people who
were in the bus have sustained injuries in this terrible accident. We appeal to all road
users to exercise patience and drive within the prescribed speed limit to avoid such
incidents. With the festive season almost upon us, we once again make an appeal to
all the road users to drive with caution to avoid unnecessary loss of lives on our roads.
On behalf of the Free State Provincial Government, I would like to extend my
condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and also to wish the
injured a speedy recovery,” Premier Ntombela said.