[imagesource:wctrafficreports/facebook]

Nine people are confirmed to have perished when a bus carrying 44 passengers crashed on the Vanrhyns Pass and rolled down the steep embankment late on Monday afternoon.

Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the circumstances surrounding the incident were still being investigated and details regarding the cause of the deadly crash are still sketchy at this stage.

Van Rhynsdorp police members and emergency services were at the scene in Van Rhyns Pass busy with a rescue operation, he said.

“At this stage, it will be irresponsible to share unconfirmed information prematurely,” added Swartbooi.

He said at first light, the police would “reconsider its stance” and share the information available.

The head of communication for the mobility department, Muneera Allie, said the death toll currently stood at nine.

“The injured [are] currently being transported to hospital. All teams are on site. Further information will be provided once available,” Allie added.

[source:ewn]