LIMPOPO – A tragic bus accident on the N1 highway outside Makhado (formerly Louis Trichardt) in Limpopo has claimed the lives of 42 Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals. The bus, en route from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape to Harare, Zimbabwe, veered off the road on Sunday afternoon, resulting in a devastating loss of life.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed the nationalities of the deceased, who were travelling to their respective home countries. MEC Violet Mathye expressed her condolences, stating: “Let me pass my condolences to the two countries that have lost loved ones — Zimbabwe and Malawi."
Road Traffic Management Corporation spokesperson Simon Zwane confirmed the rising death toll, stating, “verification is still taking place, but 42 [fatalities have] been confirmed so far”. The Transport Department has further specified that among the deceased are 18 adult females, 17 adult males, and seven children.
More than 30 passengers sustained injuries in the crash and have been transported to local hospitals for treatment. MEC Mathye initially reported 38 injuries, but tragically, a 10-month-old baby passed away after being referred to hospital, bringing the number of injured to the current count.
The accident occurred at approximately 2 pm on Sunday near Ingwe Lodge in Musina. Images circulating online depict the harrowing scene, including a child clutching the body of her lifeless mother, both covered in blood, inside the wreckage of the bus. Other images show emergency medical services vehicles surrounding the bus, attending to the injured and recovering the deceased.
The ill-fated bus had embarked on a long journey from Gqeberha and was destined to continue from Harare to Malawi, covering a distance exceeding 2,100 kilometers.
Emergency services personnel, police, and traffic police worked tirelessly through Sunday night and into Monday morning, conducting search and rescue operations. MEC Mathye indicated that some passengers were suspected to be still trapped within the mangled remains of the bus.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident. MEC Mathye suggested potential factors, stating: “There was no other vehicle involved. I am sure the bus lost control. I do not know what caused it — 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.”
The N1 freeway was closed to traffic in both directions following the accident, causing significant disruptions. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes: those travelling from Makhado to Musina were directed to use the Witvlag turnoff, while those travelling from Musina to Makhado were instructed to use the Williespoort turnoff.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the governments and people of Zimbabwe and Malawi.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution and adhere to all road safety regulations. The tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the potential consequences of negligence on the roads.
The ongoing response to the bus crash includes assisting survivors, recovering the remains of the deceased, and providing support to the grieving families. The incident has cast a pall over the region, and the thoughts and prayers of many are with those affected by this devastating tragedy.
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