Greyhound buses caught fire at the company’s depot in Jet Park, Boksburg (East Rand) on August 17, 2025.Image: Facebook
By Jonathan Michela
Boksburg, Gauteng — On a quiet Sunday morning, the unmistakable roar of flames shattered the calm at Greyhound’s Jet Park depot. Within minutes, three luxury buses and a trailer belonging to one of South Africa’s most iconic long-distance operators were reduced to smouldering shells.
Thick black smoke curled into the East Rand sky, visible from several kilometres away, as emergency sirens pierced the air. Firefighters from Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Services (EMS), joined by ACA fire rescue teams, raced against time to contain the blaze before it consumed the entire facility.
“Two buses managed to escape the fire and were driven to a safer area,” confirmed EMS spokesperson Eric Maloka, who praised the swift coordination between disaster teams.
Miraculously, no injuries were reported.
A Close Call for Greyhound
Greyhound, a household name in South Africa’s intercity travel sector, has weathered storms before — from COVID-19 lockdowns to financial turbulence. But this latest disaster has raised fresh concerns about the stability of its operations.
The company, synonymous with affordable long-haul travel, connects Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, and dozens of smaller towns across the country. Losing three buses in one morning is no small setback.
While EMS managed to prevent the inferno from spreading further, industry insiders are already asking the pressing question: Can Greyhound absorb yet another blow?
What Sparked the Flames?
The cause of the fire remains a mystery. Investigators from disaster management teams were on-site, combing through charred wreckage and debris late into the afternoon.
With no immediate explanation — electrical fault, arson, or negligence — speculation is rife. Transport analysts say the outcome of the probe could determine whether Greyhound faces insurance relief or costly litigation.
The Human Cost
For commuters, the Greyhound brand represents more than just buses; it represents connection — students travelling home, workers commuting across provinces, and families reuniting across long distances.
Sunday’s fire has sparked anxiety among passengers holding advance tickets. Questions now swirl about potential service disruptions and whether Greyhound will have enough vehicles to meet demand in the coming weeks.
Resilience Amid the Flames
In the face of crisis, Greyhound has vowed to press forward. Ithuba, the National Lottery operator, might make headlines with millionaires overnight, but Greyhound’s survival rests on steady hands and the trust of its loyal passengers.
As one transport official put it off the record:
“This isn’t just about buses. It’s about whether South Africa’s long-distance lifeline can keep moving.”
For now, investigators dig through ashes while the public awaits answers. And for Greyhound, once again, the road ahead is uncertain.
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