Local government officials have offered support to the families of 10 workers killed during a bus crash on Vanrhynspas between Vanrhynsdorp and Nieuwoudtville.
It has since been confirmed that the bus passengers were construction workers, contrary to initial reports that they were agriworkers en route to a wind farm project in Ceres, when tragedy struck at about 5.20pm and the bus veered off the road on Monday.
Twelve other seriously injured passengers will also be supported.
The provincial government has extended condolences to the families of the workers, and confirmed that the incident was now under investigation by the police to determine the cause.
MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku said: “Our team is co-ordinating with the relevant authorities to offer assistance to the families of the deceased and to those injured. We are exploring all avenues of support, including counselling services, to help them cope.”
The Department of Social Development (DSD) was alerted and an assessment was done for psychosocial support services.
DSD MEC Jaco Londt said: “We convey our sincerest condolences to all those impacted by this tragedy. In the aftermath, staff from the Western Cape DSD were immediately activated to assess whether there was a need for psychosocial support services.
“We will work with the SAPS and the Department of Health and Wellness to provide support such as trauma debriefing should it be required.
“Since many of the affected are from the Northern Cape, we are liaising with DSD colleagues in that province who will also continue to provide support services to the victims and their families and loved ones.”
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said Van Rhynsdorp police registered a case of culpable homicide for further investigation.
Cape Times