JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A tragic accident occurred on a highway in Johannesburg, South Africa, on March 11, 2025, when a bus overturned, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and injuring 45 others, as reported by emergency services.

The incident took place in the early hours near the main O.R. Tambo International Airport. The bus, which was transporting passengers from the township of Katlehong, located east of Johannesburg, ended up lying on its side at the edge of the highway. Many passengers were reportedly thrown from the bus during the incident.

William Nthladi, a spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Emergency Management, stated that emergency crews were working diligently to right the bus in hopes of locating any further victims potentially trapped underneath. He described the scene upon arrival, saying, “On arrival we found patients lying across the road.” Tragically, 12 individuals were declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

The extent of injuries among the survivors varies, with reports indicating some are serious and others critical. Among those injured was the bus driver, who was also taken to the hospital for treatment. As the situation developed, Nthladi announced that authorities were still unable to determine the exact cause of the crash. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved in the incident, which is currently being treated as a crime scene due to the fatalities.

Emergency responses were swift, with crews deployed to manage the scene and assist the wounded. Investigations by the police are ongoing, as they work to gather more information regarding the events that led up to the overturning of the bus. The community and the families of the victims are now faced with the consequences of this catastrophic event, prompting a call for safety measures and further examination of public transportation regulations in the area.

This tragic event highlights the ongoing issues concerning road safety and the need for thorough investigations to prevent similar accidents in the future. As emergency services continue to provide support to the survivors and their families, the focus will shift towards understanding the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.