At least 16 killed as bus overturns on N1 near Touws River; RTMC says driver may have swerved to avoid delivery vehicle

At least 16 people have died after a bus overturned on the N1 near Touws River in the early hours of Thursday, authorities said. Emergency and recovery operations continued through the morning as investigators worked to establish the cause.

What officials reported

Western Cape traffic chief Maxine Bezuidenhout confirmed the crash and said:

“We confirm an incident on the N1 near Touws River at approximately 12am on Thursday, where a bus transporting 73 South African residents has overturned.”

Bezuidenhout added:

“Tragically, 16 people have lost their lives, while two others sustained serious injuries.”

RTMC account and passenger numbers

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) provided additional details, saying the bus had been transporting about 78 passengers from Cape Town to Idutywa in the Eastern Cape. According to the RTMC, 20 occupants sustained injuries and were transported to Worcester Hospital, while 43 occupants refused medical treatment.

The RTMC said:

“It is alleged that the bus swerved to avoid colliding with a delivery vehicle when the driver lost control and the vehicle overturned.”

Road and emergency response

Bezuidenhout said emergency services remained on scene through the morning and that a stop-and-go had been implemented on the affected stretch of the national road. She urged motorists travelling through the area to exercise caution and be patient, warning:

“Expect delays as emergency and recovery operations continue.”

Investigation under way

The RTMC said the cause of the crash will be subject to an ongoing investigation by the RTMC and the South African Police Service.