20 killed in bus accident in South Africa

Police say 20 people died when a burst tire sent a passenger bus out of control in central South Africa and caused it to veer into a muddy stream.

Police say 20 people died when a burst tire sent a passenger bus out of control in central South Africa and caused it to veer into a muddy stream.

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Police said on Saturday the dead included a child of about eight months and the driver. Another 18 passengers were injured.

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele sent experts to investigate and offered condolences to the victims.

Reckless driving, sometimes fueled by alcohol and poor maintenance of mass transportation vehicles are often cited in deadly accidents.

The transport minister launched a crackdown in October, stepping up spot checks of vehicles and drivers and urging South Africans to be cautious on the roads.