22 IFP Supporters Injured in Bus Accident en Route to Party’s 50th Anniversary in Ulundi
A bus carrying 22 Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) supporters from Johannesburg to Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, was involved in a serious accident on Sunday morning.
The incident occurred in Vryheid, northern KwaZulu-Natal, as the group was traveling to attend the IFP’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.
The Department of Transport confirmed the accident and stated that road traffic inspectorate officers are investigating the cause of the crash.
Preliminary Reports Suggest Driver Failed to Navigate Stop Sign
KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma revealed that preliminary reports indicate the bus driver may have failed to stop at a stop sign, leading to the accident.
“I am awaiting a full report on this. They are checking what might have disturbed them. It might be different causes,” Duma said.
He emphasized that while the investigation is ongoing, the most important thing is that there were no fatalities.
“We are just going to wait for a proper report at the end of the day. What we are delighted about is that there are no fatalities,” he added.
Four Hospitalized, Others Treated on Scene
IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa confirmed that four people were rushed to the hospital around 6 am, while the remaining supporters received medical treatment at the scene.
“The leadership of Gauteng has gone to see our comrades, and the leadership of Abaqulusi constituency are on site to offer the necessary support,” Hlengwa said.
He also urged all drivers and passengers traveling to Ulundi for the anniversary event to exercise maximum care and vigilance on the roads.
“We want to reiterate to all the drivers and users of the transport to Ulundi to exercise maximum care and vigilance on the roads to make sure that everyone is safe,” he added.
IFP Leadership Mobilizes Support for Injured Members
The IFP leadership has mobilized to provide support to the injured members. Gauteng IFP leaders visited the injured supporters, while local leaders from the Abaqulusi constituency are assisting on the ground. The party’s 50th-anniversary event, a significant milestone for the IFP, will continue as planned, but the accident has cast a somber shadow over the celebrations.
Call for Road Safety Amid Investigation
As the investigation into the accident continues, authorities and the IFP have called for increased road safety awareness, especially during large events that involve long-distance travel. The Department of Transport has assured the public that a detailed report will be released once the investigation is complete.