Tourists cause near-fatal bus crash on Plett N2
Ten children – on their way from Cape Town to East London to participate in a national drum majorette competition – and the driver of the bus they were travelling in was hospitalised following an accident that occurred in front of Thyme and Again on June 24.
According to Marius Venter of Plett Watch, the youngsters from St Michaels Primary School in Grabouw were travelling on a bus with several teachers and two bus drivers when they reached Plett.
Venter said two American tourists were travelling along the same stretch of highway ahead of the bus when they suddenly became unsure where to turn off and subsequently came to a complete standstill in the road at Thyme and Again farmstall.
The bus driver could not stop the bus in time and hit the tourists’ vehicle on the left-hand side. The vehicle then hit a bakkie and the bus veered off the embankment at Thyme and Again.
Venter said the bus hit several trees along the way before finally coming to a standstill. “If you look at
the damaged caused to the bus. it is a miracle that everyone survived,” he said.
He also commended the bus drivers ability behind the wheel.
Venter said 10 children were transported to Knysna Hospital for minor injuries and observation, while the bus driver was admitted to Plett Mediclinic for a suspected broken leg and lacerations to his hands.
He concluded that the community banded together to assist the remainder of the learners with food and a place to sleep at the Plett Dutch Reformed Church while they awaited a bus dispatched from Cape Town to continue their journey.
Majorettes in East London and fighting fit
Marius Venter told CXPRESS on Tuesday morning that the youngsters admitted to hospital in Knysna had all been discharged by early evening on Monday and that their replacement transport had collected the group just before 3 am.
“By nine they had already registered for their competition. everyone in good shape in spite of their road-accident ordeal,” he said.
He reiterated how incredible it was that no lives were lost during the crash, saying that the three girls who were sitting at the top level in front of the bus had decided to walk to the back when they crossed Keurbooms River, i.e. moments before impact.
“Branches had crashed through the top front windows and impaled the seats where the girls were sitting seconds before, so the fact that the drivers were the worst of all injuries really is a miracle.”
The bus driver was expected to be transferred from Plett to Mossel Bay on Tuesday.
A big thank you!
Marius Venter – Taken from Facebook
Hello All, some feedback on the Bus Accident! 60 kids, Teachers, and 2 drivers were in a major accident at Thyme and Again. The bus driver miraculously saved everyone from tragedy, the driver along with 10 kids was admitted to hospital with no life-threatening injuries! We thank the Lord for the miracle that everyone is alive! Thank you to all the Medical Staff, PBCPA, NSRI, Fire Department, Bitou Municipality, Plett Rapid Response, NG Church, Plett Watch. A big thank you to SPUR, Pick n Pay, Melville Spar, Checkers and Wimpy for the food and drinks! Also a big thank you to the Plett Community for once again opening your hearts and pockets! We appreciate everything you have done for the kids!