33 Killed as Bus Hits Gas Tanker in South Africa

DURBAN, South Africa — A bus carrying women and children to a political meeting in eastern South Africa crashed into a disabled gasoline tanker Sunday, setting off an explosion that killed 33 people.

The women were members of the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party Women’s Brigade from Port Shepstone on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal province, Inkatha spokesman Hennie Bekker said.

They were heading to Ulundi, in the north, when their bus smashed into a tanker that had stopped on a bridge over the Tugela River, 50 miles north of Durban, Bekker said. Fire engulfed both vehicles, burning most of the victims beyond recognition.

Thirty-three people died and 10 were hospitalized with serious injuries, provincial transportation spokeswoman Ranjeni Munusamy said. Police said at least five of the dead were believed to be children.

Transportation officials declared a week of mourning in KwaZulu-Natal province, asking motorists to drive with their lights on during the mourning period.

“We in [Inkatha] pray that the families and those injured will receive strength and courage and that the sorrow and wounds may eventually heal,” Bekker said.