Golden Arrow has confirmed that the driver involved in the fatal multi-vehicle crash on Robert Sobukwe Road on Monday morning, which left two people dead, has been suspended.

Spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said the suspension follows standard company procedure.

“According to preliminary information available at this stage, one of our buses was involved in a collision after encountering stationary vehicles on the roadway and attempting to avoid them. In line with company procedure, the driver has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. Golden Arrow is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.”

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that Bishop Lavis police attended to the scene, where several vehicles, including a bus, were found damaged on the side of the road.

Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk says multiple people were injured in the crash, which resulted in two fatalities.

“Several persons were injured and taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The bus had no passengers, and the driver sustained no injuries. A blue Opel Astra vehicle was found with a 29-year-old driver, who sustained slight injuries to his head and leg. He had no passengers,” said Van Wyk.

He added that a Datsun company vehicle was also involved.

“A driver of unknown age sustained serious injuries to his head and legs, while a passenger sustained slight injuries to the leg. Both were transported to hospital by medical personnel. Another passenger in the vehicle was declared dead at the scene.”

Van Wyk further confirmed that a 45-year-old pedestrian, who was on his way to work, was also killed in the crash.

A Kia delivery vehicle was also involved, with the driver sustaining serious injuries to the head and legs, while a 24-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to hospital for treatment.

According to the passenger, they were en route to deliver Blue Ribbon bread at the time of the crash.

Bishop Lavis police have opened a case of culpable homicide as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

This article has been updated with the latest information