The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has appointed Advocate Myron Dewrance SC to lead investigations into the cause of the PUTCO fire that claimed six lives. The incident took place along the Moloto Road (R573) and left at least 14 people sustaining serious injuries outside the City of Tshwane on Friday, 21 May 2021.
The team, appointed by the MEC Jacob Mamabolo comprises fire investigations experts who will interview witnesses and others who were impacted by the incident. They have been given 30 days to conduct the investigation and submit recommendations.
Investigations will focus on the cause of the fire and will determine whether there was negligence on the part of the bus company which is contracted to the Department. The team will also determine whether PUTCO is liable in terms of its contractual obligations.
Remarking on the importance of the investigations, the MEC said "Advocate Myron and his team have a critical task of getting the real facts and determining if there was negligence on the part of PUTCO. This is important in giving the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as those injured, the truth of what happened so that they can have closure and heal from this tragedy".
Stressing the need for objectivity, MEC Mamabolo added the Department is aware of the bus company's own investigation, however, he said "we have appointed an independent team to probe the incident. They can't be both the referee and player on this matter".