Mapaballo Borotho
- A fire destroyed ten Buscor buses at the Barberton depot in Mpumalanga early Wednesday morning.
- No injuries or fatalities were reported, and police are investigating the cause of the blaze.
- The provincial transport department is working with Buscor to limit commuter disruptions during the festive season.
Ten Buscor buses were destroyed after a fire broke out at the Buscor depot in Barberton, Mpumalanga, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Preliminary reports indicate that one bus initially caught the blaze, and while security personnel were investigating and alerting firefighters, the flames spread to nine other buses.
The cause of the fire remains unknown and is currently under police investigation.
Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, is expected to visit the scene later on Wednesday.
While describing the incident as unfortunate, the MEC said he was relieved that no injuries or loss of life had been reported.
“The safety of workers, commuters and surrounding communities in Barberton and neighbouring areas remains the foremost priority of the Department,” Thomo said.
He added that the department has engaged Buscor management to determine the extent of the damage and to receive assurances on contingency plans aimed at minimising disruptions to public transport services, especially during the busy festive season when many commuters rely on Buscor buses for daily travel.
The department is awaiting a full report from Buscor, including preliminary findings into the cause of the fire, as investigations continue.
“As we move through this peak festive season, it is critical that all public transport operators heighten safety standards, conduct regular inspections of facilities and vehicles, and ensure clear emergency response plans are in place,” Thomo said.
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