Bus crash claims lives of 4 parishioners, several injured

Four people have been killed and close to 50 people were injured after a passenger bus carrying parishioners from different Anglican churches overturned on the N2 near Swellendam on Friday April 28 after the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle.

In addition to parishioners from the Parish of St Aidan's, Lansdowne, there were members of other parishes as well as friends and families from outside the diocese on the bus too.

The most critical patients were airlifted to Groote Schuur, Tygerberg and George hospitals while referrals were sent to Worcester Regional Hospital, others were treated at the local clinic and the rest at Swellendam Hospital.

MEC for Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, said Eskom exempted Swellendam Hospital from the load shedding schedule to assist the facility in ensuring round-the-clock, lifesaving services.

Premier Alan Winde expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.

The Anglican Bishop of Table Bay, The Right Reverend Joshua Louw, in a letter sent to Anglican churches in the diocese and published on the church’s Facebook page, wrote: “Allow me to extend my sincere condolences to the families and their loved ones who have lost a part of their soul and add my prayers to those who have been hospitalised or recovering at home, after this tragic bus accident near Swellendam on return from a wonderful week at Carmel Retreat Centre in Wilderness.

“Although the trip was arranged by parishioners of St Aidan’s, Lansdowne, those who went along were from across the diocese and beyond. It was the first trip after the Covid pandemic and there was great excitement.

“Looking at the daily Facebook updates and comments, it was clear that everyone had a great time. So, it was a great shock when the news of the accident surfaced.

“A big thank you to the leadership, clergy and people of the diocese of George, who graciously assisted us as the accident took place within their diocese. Thank you to the various provincial departments who played their roles, especially the provincial Health Department, who was in constant contact with us and willing to assist in any way possible. They have offered trauma counselling and I would like to appeal to everyone who were affected by this event to take up this offer.”

Reverend Louw said the church awaits further information with regard to funeral arrangements from respective families.

Western Cape Department of Health spokesperson, Maret Lesch, said three patients remained at Tygerberg Hospital, two in a serious condition and one in a stable condition. “All patients who were transferred to Caledon Hospital have been discharged.

“Two patients were transferred from Swellendam Hospital to Tygerberg Hospital for further care, and the rest of the patients who were treated at Swellendam Hospital have been discharged. One patient was admitted to George Hospital, but has since been transferred to a private hospital.”

The bus company contracted for the tour, HG Travelling, reportedly said the driver of the bus was injured and still in shock.