Around 130 people were injured when a Putco bus sped through a stop sign and was hit by a second Putco bus on Monday, said Gauteng police.

"According to witnesses, one bus was travelling from Mamelodi and one from KwaMhlanga. The one from KwaMhlanga did not stop at a stop sign," said police spokesperson Johannes Jafta.

The bus from Mamelodi attempted to swerve out the way but collided with the back of the bus from KwaMhlanga.

The accident happened at 6.30am. ER24 spokesperson Werner Vermaak said 130 people were injured, two of them, including the driver of the bus from KwaMhlanga, seriously.

The driver sustained injuries to his head and torso. A passenger, who was sitting at the point of impact, sustained multiple fractures and had a possible spinal injury.

A case of reckless driving had been opened.

Monday's accident was the latest in a string of incidents involving Putco buses.

On 18 January, a Putco bus overturned in heavy rain on the N14 in Ventersdorp. Seven people were killed.

On 31 December, 37 were injured when a Putco bus in Soweto crashed. Authorities at the time believed the driver had been speeding.

On 10 December, 13 people were seriously injured when a Putco bus collided with a minibus taxi in Zandspruit, Johannesburg. This accident was also believed to have been caused by the Putco driver speeding.

On 9 November, the driver of a Putco bus was killed and 20 passengers injured in Mpumalanga. The driver was believed to have been overtaking another vehicle when he found himself facing oncoming traffic. He swerved onto the side of the road and the bus overturned.

Sapa