Johannesburg: Sixteen people were killed today when a passenger bus lost control and overturned on a highway near Johannesburg International Airport in South Africa.

According to Qatar News Agency, spokesperson for the South African Ministry of Transport Collin Msibi stated that 12 people died at the scene, while four others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

Reports indicate that 11 passengers sustained serious injuries, while 24 others suffered moderate to severe injuries.

The accident occurred on a highway near O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which involved a bus carrying passengers from Katlehong, east of Johannesburg, and was about to exit the highway.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy expressed deep concern, noting that this is the third serious bus accident in two weeks.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation has been instructed to hold a meeting with all bus operators next week to discuss ways to improve passenger safety.