16 Killed in Horrific R21/R24 Crash in Johannesburg When a Bus Overturned, South Africans Horrified
- 16 People lost their lives in a horrific accident on the R21/R24 in Johannesburg, blocking traffic
- The bus reportedly jackknifed and overturned, and many of the injured were transported to hospital
- South Africans were horrified over the accident as a video of the carnage went viral on social media
- Briefly News spoke to crash investigator Stan Bezuidenhout, who spoke about what causes bus accidents
For seven years, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa, covered accidents, fires, outbreaks, nature, weather and natural disaster-related incidents at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.
Source: Facebook
JOHANNESBURG — A bus overturned on the R21/R24 in Johannesburg, killing 12 people and injuring scores on 11 March 2025. Traffic was blocked, and a video of the incident went viral.
What happened?
According to Ekurhuleni disaster management services, the bus reportedly jackknifed and rolled a few times before coming to a halt. Nine men and three women lost their lives, and traffic leading to the OR Tambo International Airport was blocked. A video of the incident went viral on social media.
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Watch the Facebook video here. Disclaimer: The video is not for sensitive viewers as it contains scenes of injured passengers on the ground.
Briefly News speaks to accident forensic expert
Crash investigator Stan Bezuidenhout told Briefly News that poor maintenance causes numerous bus crashes that followed tyre failure, steering system issues or brake failure.
"The most reliable mitigation strategy is proper and regular maintenance, but also rolling enforcement at random times," he said.
Recent horrific accidents
- Eight people were killed in an accident on the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal on 9 March, including a newborn, when a bus plummeted into an embankment.
- Two siblings lost their lives in an accident in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, on 10 March, involving a scholar transport.
- Four people, including a toddler, died in an accident on the N2 in the Eastern Cape.
What did South Africans say?
South Africans commented on SABC News's Facebook page about the accident and motorists causing accidents on the road.
Gomotsewgang Lobelo said:
"I passed that accident. It was horrible."
Melanie De Witte said:
"Law enforcement needs to clamp down on the people blocking emergency lanes."
Christopher Brougham Smith said:
"This is the third accident involving multiple people making the news in the last few days."
Mariette Vanb Huyssteen said:
"Yesterday it was kids in a car and today its this bus. Lord protect the people on the road."
Rica S'ga said:
"In South Africa when one accident happens, it tends to be followed by two or more similar incidents. We might experience another one in Limpopo or KZN."
Infant dies in horrible crash in the Eastern Cape
In a related article, Briefly News reported that five people, including a four-month-old infant, died in a head-on collision in the Eastern Cape. The accident took place on the N2 on 19 January near Nananga and Makhanda.
An infant was among the five victims of the accident, which occurred when two vehicles collided with each other. Those who were injured were transported to various hospitals in the province. The province's MEC for Transport, Xolile Nqatha, cautioned motorists to adhere to the rules of the road.
Arrive Alive CEO Advocate Jonck called on motorists to commit to defensive driving to reduce the number of accidents. He also mourned the death of the toddler and questioned whether the infant had been restrained safely.
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Source: Briefly News
