At the scene, emergency crews were attempting to lift the bus off the ground to check for any additional victims trapped underneath, as reported by William Nthladi, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Emergency Management.

Upon arrival, Nthladi stated that paramedics found injured passengers scattered across the road.

Early in the morning, the crash occurred near Johannesburg’s main O.R. Tambo International Airport on a highway. The bus, which was carrying people from the Katlehong township, east of Johannesburg, was found lying on its side close to the edge of the highway.

Nthladi confirmed that 12 people were pronounced dead at the crash site by paramedics.

Although Nthladi couldn’t provide precise information on the severity of the injuries, he mentioned that they ranged from serious to critical. The bus driver was included among those taken to the hospital.

There were no other vehicles involved in the crash, and the exact cause remains under investigation by the police. Due to the fatalities, the crash is being treated as a crime scene.