The northbound bus was carrying 45 passengers from Gaborone to Francistown when it struck a cow at about 1930pm, according to Palapye Station Commander Superintendent Koziba Phuluweni.

“The impact caused the driver to lose control and the bus overturned,” Superintendent Phuluweni said in an interview.

All nine fatalities, including the driver, were declared dead on arrival at Palapye Primary Hospital. The remaining passengers received treatment for serious injuries.

Two of the injured were transferred to Sekgoma Memorial Hospital in Serowe, two to Mahalapye Hospital, and three were referred to Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital for further care.

Superintendent Phuluweni said the deceased have not yet been identified. Police have appealed to members of the public to assist by visiting the Palapye Hospital mortuary.

Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing. ENDS