A devastating bus crash on the N1 North near Ingwe Lodge in Limpopo has left 42 people dead and 49 others injured.
The bus, which was travelling from Johannesburg to Zimbabwe, overturned and plunged down an embankment. Among those killed were seven children.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa are expected to visit the scene of the crash. The Department of Transport has extended condolences to the families of the victims and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.
CRASH UNDER INVESTIGATION
Six people are reported to be in a critical condition, while others sustained varying degrees of injury. One critically injured child was airlifted for urgent medical attention.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), together with local law enforcement, is conducting a full scene reconstruction and mechanical investigation. A preliminary report will be released in due course.
Creecy and Hlengwa expressed concern over the ongoing trend of road crashes involving public transport, saying the current review of the National Road Safety Strategy aims to strengthen efforts to promote road safety.
RAMAPHOSA EXTENDS CONDOLENCES
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended condolences to the governments and people of Zimbabwe and Malawi, calling the incident a tragedy for South Africa and its sister nations.
“This sadness is compounded by the fact that the incident has taken place during our annual Transport Month, when we focus on the importance of road safety,” Ramaphosa said. “Our roads are economic networks that bring the people of our region together across national borders.”
He further urged transport operators, drivers, and passengers to take collective responsibility for ensuring commuter safety and responsible road use.
