Preliminary report exposes bus driver’s failure to heed vital road safety signals, resulting in devastating consequences.
(The Post News)- A preliminary report by Transnet has revealed a disturbing lack of adherence to road safety protocols in the tragic train-bus collision that claimed six young lives and left numerous others injured. The incident occurred at a level crossing on the R104 in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, between Arnot and Wonderfontein.
Five pupils died instantly, while another succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Nine learners remain hospitalized, with two in critical condition. The passengers on the bus were learners from Mafube Village’s Morelig Combined School.
According to the acting CEO of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), Mmuso Selaledi, the preliminary report indicates that the level crossing protection sign was mostly in compliance, but the driver failed to abide by critical road safety signals. The RSR will collaborate with relevant authorities to complete further investigations, with a final report expected within 30 days.
The spokesperson of the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security, and Liaison emphasized that the preliminary report may not contain all the information that the final report will have, as ongoing investigations may uncover additional details. A joint memorial service and mass funeral service are scheduled to honor the lives of the six deceased learners.
The 30-day timeframe ensures all key aspects of the investigation are covered, including investigating any injuries, incorporating postmortem results, and conducting necessary interviews with hospitalized learners and relevant individuals.
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