MARAISBURG [ Johannesburg West ] N1 Highway South at Maraisburg On Ramp on 18 September 2009 at 18:15

At least 80 people were injured and two killed in a horror 22m-bus and truck accident this evening on the N1 near the Maraisburg on ramp.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene had to join forces to treat the injured that were found scattered on the scene around the bus. Most of the occupants of the bus were in a serious condition and some sustained critical injuries when they were apparently flung from the overturning bus.

Two men were found in the bus with fatal injuries. Both of the men were trapped between the bus and the concrete. Another patient, also trapped between the bus and the highway, was in a critical condition and was airlifted to a nearby Johannesburg Hospital. The Johannesburg Fire Department had to use the jaws of life to free the trapped patient from underneath the bus.

It is understood that some patients were assisted by members of the public on the scene in rushing them to hospital prior to emergency services' arrival.

According to numerous eyewitnesses on the scene, it is understood that the bus was attempting to overtake the 22 wheeler truck and apparently misjudged its length and collided with the front of the truck. Both vehicles then overturned on the highway.

The highway was completely closed off for traffic as the 22 meter long bus and glass from the truck obstructed the highway towards Southern parts of Johannesburg. The Johannesburg Metro Police assisted motorists to return to the Maraisburg bridge and use alternative routes.