Watch Mass funeral held for 26 people who died in Eastern Cape bus crash

A mass funeral has started for the victims of a bus crash in Centane in the Eastern Cape last week.

On Friday a massive marquee was erected at Cebe JSS for 26 of the people who died in the accident.

While Eastern Cape police said 26 people were being buried, the transport ministry last week placed the death toll at 29. It was unclear whether the other three had been given private burials.

On Friday, the coffins of the 26 were lined up in the centre of the marquee. Some coffins had wreaths and pictures of the deceased placed on top of them.

Last week, following the tragedy, some of the families called for government to assist with the burials of their loved ones, saying they could not afford to conduct the services themselves.

The bus plunged down a steep ravine last Monday morning. It was carrying mostly pensioners and pupils.

Transport minister Fikile Mbalula said it was believed the bus driver had lost control of the vehicle.

WATCH: families repatriate spirits of bus crash victims

Bereaved families of the 26 Centane bus crash victims gathered at Nxaxho village to repatriate the spirits of their loved ones on Friday morning. pic.twitter.com/0LS0QSiRIx

— The Daily Dispatch (@Dispatch_DD) March 13, 2020