‘Lucky to be alive,’ says passenger reflecting on escaping deadly R21 crash

A regular passenger of the deadly R21 bus that overturned on Tuesday says he’s lucky to be alive after choosing to take a taxi to work instead.

At least 13 people have died, and many others have been injured after the bus crashed near OR Tambo International Airport.

As families identify victims at the Germiston Mortuary, one man expressed gratitude for escaping the crash.

“For some reason, I decided not to take the bus but a taxi. After everything that happened, I’m paralysed. I feel like my ancestors were with me; I survived,” said the 31-year-old commuter who requested anonymity.

Preliminary reports suggest that sudden and harsh braking may have caused the accident.

More than 80 passengers were on board the 6:30 a.m. bus that was en route to Kempton Park from Katlehong when it rolled over, killing at least 13 people.

The regular commuter noted that the bus had shown clear signs of wear and tear.

“The bus was worn out. Even the condition of the brakes made it clear that we were not safe. But it’s cheaper for us, so we don’t have a choice,” he said.

While the City of Ekurhuleni maintains the bus was roadworthy, the 31-year-old says what he’ll miss most are the Friday after-work drinks with his fellow commuters.

“I know the bus driver and most of the commuters. I’ll miss the chance to be together again; to think about never seeing them again,” he added.

Meanwhile, families of the missing passengers are holding onto hope that their loved ones may still be alive. 

Nkosinathi Mthembu, Lwazi Nkosi’s uncle who is suspected to be one of the victims of the crash, says his his brother who traveled from KwaZulu-Natal to identify his son’s body is inconsolable.

“He’s not right since yesterday. He had his whole life ahead of him, and we never expected something like this. He wasn’t even sick. I hope we get answers,” Mthembu added.

The commuter bus had been filled to capacity with mostly working people and young passengers. 

The tragedy is one of at-least three serious collision to strike the City of EKhuruleni this week, sparking widespread calls for greater safety measures to be imposed on public transport in the metro.