Owner of Hex River bus may have died in the crash

By Khanyisa Tabata
06 May 2010

Transport authorities say the owner of the bus that went off the road in the Hex River Valley in De Doorns yesterday may be amongst the dead.

So far 28 people are confirmed dead in the horror crash yesterday that happened when the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel.

Arrive Alive spokesperson in the Eastern Cape, Tsepo Machaea, says the owner drove the bus at one point in the journey from Engcobo in the Eastern Cape. Several passengers who survived the ordeal are still in shock with many still in hospital.

Yesterday the Transport Department sent a specialist accident investigation and reconstruction team to probe the accident.

The department spokesperson Logan Maistry says no mercy must be shown to public transport operators and drivers who compromise the safety of passengers.

Western Cape transport Minister Robin Carlisle yesterday said his department will take all possible legal action against the driver.