Cape Town - A MyCiTi bus driver has been suspended following a crash on the N2 highway on Sunday, which resulted in several injuries, including minors.
The scene near Gugulethu saw various officials descend as paramedics and rescue officials attended to injured commuters.
A Strand family was rear-ended by the bus travelling from Mitchell’s Plain. Father, Mansoor Dalvie, 43, said a day out to celebrate his birthday ended in the emergency centre of Vincent Pallotti Hospital, as his infant twin girls, wife and six-year-old son, sustained injuries in the crash.
Speaking to the Cape Argus on Monday, he said he was travelling towards Cape Town in the fast lane when he noticed the bus driving recklessly.
“I was in the Toyota Hilux with my son in the front seat and my wife and twin daughters, who are only 11 months old, were in car seats at the back. I noticed the bus swerving and to me it looked like the driver had fallen asleep and when he realised, he suddenly swerved and crashed right into us.”
Dalvie said the bus then crashed into two Traffic Services vehicles as he swerved across the busy highway.
At the scene, paramedics could be seen comforting the infants as their mother was attended to.
“They have undergone medical checks and had some bruises but we are grateful that this wasn’t more serious.
“They are traumatised. I am disappointed in the MyCiTi driver as one would expect the City does proper checks,” said Dalvie.
Traffic Services spokesperson, Kevin Jacobs, confirmed their vehicles were damaged by the MyCiTi bus and said an officer sustained a minor injury.
Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, said the bus was travelling from Mitchell’s Plain to the Civic Centre. Some passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to various hospitals for treatment.
He said while the City investigated the cause of the crash, the driver has been suspended.
“We can confirm that the driver has been charged for reckless and negligent driving, and has been suspended.
“The investigation will determine the circumstances around this incident. As per the City’s contract with the Vehicle Operating Company, an incident report must be submitted to the City and in addition, furthermore, the SAPS will also conduct their own investigation. At this point in time we do not know the cause(s), this will form part of the investigation to be undertaken by the Vehicle Operating Company and the SAPS.”
