'Their lives will never be forgotten' | EFF expresses condolences for 12 supporters lost in tragic bus crash

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has shared messages of condolences following the deaths of 12 people killed in a horror crash on the R34 highway in Vryheid, in KwaZulu-Natal, early on Tuesday morning. 

The members were on their way home after spending Youth Day at uMlazi, in the Durban south area. 

Craig Botha of KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service said a multi-service emergency response team worked to stabilise all patients before transport to nearby medical facilities for further treatment.

"Nine occupants were declared dead at the scene, having sustained fatal injuries before emergency services arrived. Three critically injured patients later died at hospital despite intensive efforts by paramedics and medical staff," Botha said. 

KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, said he is awaiting an updated report from the Road Traffic Inspectorate as well as the South African Police Service.

"We have been informed that dismembered body parts of some victims are still missing. In view of this, the number of fatalities will either decrease or increase. In addition, some victims were taken to local hospitals and we are making all efforts to reach out to family members," Duma said. 

The bus has been taken to the Vryheid Road Traffic Inspectorate offices. The truck is still at the scene of the accident, and plans are underway to remove it.

"The EFF sends it deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who have lost their lives. These fighters lost their lives following a show of support for the revolution they belonged to and they must be remembered as heroes to whom we owe a great debt.

"These were committed fighters, who had attended the rally to honour the courage of the youth of 1976 and to continue the struggle for economic freedom. They died in the line of duty, and their lives will never be forgotten," the EFF said. 

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

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