CPUT shuttle bus crash involving Golden Arrow bus: Three students in critical condition.
Image: Supplied
Three students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) were left in critical condition after a university shuttle bus collided with a Golden Arrow bus on Friday morning while transporting students to campus.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Central Student Representative Council (SRC) said the accident involved a 65-seater HGTS shuttle bus carrying students from Bellville Campus to the District Six (D6) Campus for morning classes and examinations.
“The Student Representative Council (SRC) wishes to inform the university community of a serious shuttle service bus accident that occurred this morning involving a 65-seater HGTS bus and a Golden Arrow bus,” the SRC said.
According to the SRC, the bus was transporting students to campus when the collision occurred. Staff members from the university’s Housing Department were also on board at the time.
The crash left several students injured, with three confirmed to be in critical condition.
“At this stage, it has been confirmed that three students are in a critical condition and have been taken to a private hospital,” the SRC said.
The shuttle driver also sustained severe injuries but was reported to be in a stable condition. Other students who experienced shock or possible injuries were transported to hospital for medical assessment and observation.
“We are relieved to confirm that there are no fatalities reported at the scene,” the SRC added.
The SRC said some students left the scene after the accident to continue writing their examinations due to the traumatic nature of the incident.
“The SRC urgently requests that all students who were involved in the accident, including those who may have left the scene, contact the SRC immediately so that appropriate academic, medical, and psychosocial support can be arranged.”
The SRC added that it is engaging with university management and other stakeholders to ensure affected students receive the necessary assistance.
“The SRC is engaging with university management and relevant stakeholders to ensure that affected students receive the necessary support and that proper processes are followed,” it said.
The student leadership also appealed to members of the university community to refrain from circulating graphic images or videos of the crash.
“We also kindly appeal to the university community to refrain from sharing graphic images or videos of the accident, particularly content that shows individuals in distress or severe condition, out of respect for the dignity and well-being of those affected,” the SRC said.
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