By Emily Setona
BLOEMFONTEIN – Survivors of the tragic N8 bus and truck collision shared painful memories from the devastating Saturday morning crash that claimed 11 lives, leaving families shattered and others facing life-changing injuries and trauma.
Polelo Mahloane, who will have his leg amputated, was travelling to work when the accident happened on the N8 between Botshabelo and Bloemfontein on Saturday, 15 November 2025.
He said he had the front-row view of the tragedy unfold before his eyes while sitting on the front seat of the bus. Speaking from his bed at Pelonomi Hospital during a visit by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula, Mahloane recalled the terrifying moment.
“I was sitting on the front seat and saw everything. As we approached the truck, I was wondering if the driver was able to see it. By the time I yelled out to her to be careful, it was too late. I tried to run to the back, but the impact was severe and the pain excruciating,” Mahloane said.
His injuries were so severe that he will now lose his leg, yet he remains grateful to have survived.“It could have been worse. I saw some of the passengers lying on the ground dead, and I was fortunate to have survived. I am thankful that my life was sparred,” he said.
Another survivor, Nozipho Nhlathi, who suffered a broken leg, said she is relieved to be alive.“I saw dead people around me. It was horrible and I am happy that my life was saved,” she said.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae described the crash as one of the worst she has seen in a long time and urged communities to be cautious on the roads.
“We once again call on road users to exercise caution on the roads. I went to the scene with MEC Mbalula in the morning and what I saw was terrible. I also want to thank medical professionals at Pelonomi hospital for taking care of those who sustained injuries,” Premier Letsoha-Mathae said.
