Johannesburg - Ten people who died in a horror crash near White River in Mpumalanga on Wednesday evening were burnt beyond recognition, says a spokesperson for the provincial department of community safety, Joseph Mabuza.
A bus, taking commuters to Bushbuckridge, caught fire after a pile-up which also involved a truck and a car.
At least 40 people were injured in the crash.
"As we speak I'm on the scene. Ten people have died and we have lots of people being taken from the bus to hospitals.
"We hope no one else dies as there are many people here," said Mabuza.
The R40 was closed in both directions and traffic was being directed via the Numbi Gate road.
Mabuza said the injured were transported in a helicopter and ambulances to Rob Ferreira Hospital and MediClinic in Mbombela, as well as Themba Hospital in Kabokweni.
He said initial reports indicated the truck driver, who was travelling from Hazyview, lost control of the vehicle and hit a Great North Transport bus, which was travelling from Mbombela.
A RAV4 off-road vehicle was also involved in the collision.
The bus burst into flames and only 17 passengers are reported to have escaped before the blaze started.
One bus passenger, Sindy Ndlovu, was taken to Themba Hospital and said she could recall little about the accident.
"What I know is that there was a truck and a car behind us. I'm now at Themba Hospital. I don't know much. I'm going for X-rays now," she said.
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