Death Toll Rises to 42 in Horror Limpopo Bus Crash Involving Zimbabweans, Malawians
A catastrophic bus crash on the N1 freeway near Makhado, Limpopo, has claimed 42 lives, including seven children. The victims were Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals traveling home in a DNC Coaches bus from Gqeberha in what is now a devastating cross-border tragedy.
A Journey Cut Short
The single-vehicle crash occurred on Sunday evening around 6 p.m. The DNC Coaches bus reportedly veered off a "mountainous section" of the N1 North near Ingwe Lodge and plunged down an embankment before overturning. Emergency services, including paramedics and law enforcement, responded swiftly to the horrific scene.
Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba confirmed that the death toll has risen to 42, a figure that includes 18 women, 17 men, and seven children. Dozens more were injured and transported to Louis Trichardt, Siloam, and Elim hospitals. Reports indicate six people were critically injured, 31 seriously injured, and 12 sustained slight injuries. One critically injured child was airlifted to Tshilidzini hospital.
Official Response
Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba is scheduled to visit the crash site to meet with the emergency teams. She extended her sympathies to the affected nations.
"This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Losing so many lives in one incident is painful beyond words. On behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government, we extend our deepest condolences to the affected families, including those in Zimbabwe and Malawi."
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also mourned the high death toll, stating it was a tragedy for the country and its "sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi."
The Limpopo government is providing psychosocial support to survivors and is actively working with the consular services from Zimbabwe and Malawi to assist affected families during this difficult time.
Investigation & Aftermath
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has dispatched crash investigators to establish the cause of the accident. While no official cause has been determined, authorities are considering several possibilities.
"It could be driver fatigue or a mechanical fault that made the bus lose control and go down the ditch. We will only know once the final report is completed," said Limpopo Transport MEC Violet Mathye.
The N1 freeway was temporarily closed following the crash to allow emergency services to work. Authorities have reiterated their call for all motorists, especially those on long-distance journeys, to exercise extreme caution and adhere to road safety regulations.
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