Twelve Dead, Dozens Injured in Tragic Bus Crash on R21 Near Kempton Park
A devastating bus accident on the R21 highway near Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni claimed the lives of 12 people and left 45 others injured on the morning of Tuesday, 11 March 2025.
According to Ekurhuleni Emergency Medical Services spokesperson William Tladi, the bus overturned multiple times before coming to rest on its side. Emergency personnel declared 12 victims dead at the scene.
The crash occurred around 6:45am on the R21 northbound, close to OR Tambo International Airport. The highway remained closed into the afternoon as recovery efforts continued. By 1pm, the bodies of two victims were still trapped inside the wreckage.
Ekurhuleni’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, Councillor Andile Mngwevu, described the scene as heartbreaking. “This is a disaster. Seeing so many bodies lying around is deeply saddening,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the families who were expecting their loved ones to return home safely.”
The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, including Tembisa, Edenvale, and Tambo Memorial.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials confirmed that the bus, owned by the City of Ekurhuleni, was not overloaded and was operating along its normal route. The vehicle was reportedly in good condition prior to the incident.
Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said the City had mobilised all relevant departments, including disaster management, to support affected families and assist in the ongoing investigation.
“We will ensure a thorough report is compiled, and if any shortcomings are identified, they will be addressed,” he stated.
Multiple Forensic Pathology Services vehicles were on site, and all deceased individuals were transported to the Germiston Mortuary. Authorities are also reviewing surveillance footage to understand how the crash occurred.
This tragedy comes just a day after another fatal accident in Ekurhuleni that claimed the lives of four primary school learners, intensifying the City’s grief and resolve to improve road safety.