At least four bus-related crashes have been reported in the Free State since Thursday night, leaving several people dead and hundreds injured.

The latest incidents occurred on Saturday morning, when Free State Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to three separate bus-related crashes.

In Smithfield, a bus overturned at the R701 T-junction on Voortrekker Street at about 04:30. Two people were critically injured, two sustained serious injuries and 64 suffered minor injuries. No fatalities were reported and the scene has since been cleared.

In Bethlehem, a multi-vehicle crash involving three buses occurred on the Bethlehem-Reitz Road. EMS reported two critical injuries, five serious injuries and 180 minor injuries. No deaths were reported.

A fourth bus-related incident occurred at the Reitz-Tweeling crossing, where a bus collided with a light motor vehicle, killing four people.

The Saturday incidents followed Thursday night’s deadly bus crash on the N1 between Trompsburg and Edenburg, where the death toll was later revised from 12 to 10 after authorities said some human remains had initially been counted more than once during the extrication process.

A total of 66 patients were transported to hospital following the N1 crash. Twelve were referred to Pelonomi Trauma Hospital, including four critically injured patients, one of whom is on a ventilator.

The N1 remains closed between Trompsburg and Edenburg as road recovery operations continue, with motorists being diverted via the R717.

 “Mass-casualty triage was implemented at the various scenes, with emergency services working alongside law enforcement and road authorities,” said EMS.  

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crashes are ongoing.

Motorists have been urged to drive with caution, reduce their speed and follow instructions from officials in affected areas.