EIGHT African National Congress (ANC) died in a horrific bus accident on R33 near Dumbe, KZN, on Sunday morning, 25 February.
Four people sustained critical injuries, 22 sustained serious injuries, and 28 suffered minor injuries.
The bus ferrying members from Mpumalanga Province was returning from the elections manifesto launch, Mayihlome Rally 2024, that was held at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 24 February.
ANC spokeswoman Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the party was shocked by the news of the untimely passing of their members.
"Tragically, our comrades were involved in a bus accident in Dumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, in the early hours of the morning while returning from the ANC's highly successful launch of our elections manifesto - Mayihlome Rally 2024. There are reports of several fatalities and a number of comrades in critical condition," she said.
She said KZN ANC deputy chairwoman Nomagugu Simelane, together with party provincial leadership of both Mpumalanga and KZN, were on their way to the accident scene and hospitals where they will assess the situation, visit the injured people and meet with the families affected.
The bus lost control and overturned.
"Our comrades exemplified an unwavering commitment to the ANC by responding to the rallying call of Mayihlome. It is a true tragedy that there be such a loss of lives after such a memorable day. Their selflessness and commitment to building a better future for generations to come will forever be remembered. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed Comrades, their relatives, and friends. We also wish those injured a speedy recovery," said Bhengu-Motsiri.
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According to KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service, paramedics who attended the scene were faced with an overwhelming number of patients who were hysterical and frightened.
"They proceeded to assess and treat the injured patients in a systematic manner. The patients were treated on scene before being transported to various hospitals for further treatment. Sadly, eight occupants had sustained fatal injuries and succumbed to their injuries before emergency services could arrive," said the paramedics.
This is the second tragic accident involving ANC members attending the party's events.
On Saturday, 13 January, five ANC members were killed when the bus they were travelling in was hit by another bus, pushing it into a ditch on the R71 in Magoebaskloof, outside Tzaneen, Limpopo.
The bus was on its way to the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, where the ANC's 112th anniversary celebrations and 8 January statement events took place.
"The buses were carrying ANC members from the Molemole Sub-Region within the Capricorn District Municipality," department spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene said in a statement at the time.
