More than 40 killed in Limpopo bus crash
Forty-two people including nationals of Malawi and Zimbabwe were killed when a passenger bus rolled down an embankment in Limpopo, on the N1 outside Musina, the Office of the Premier confirmed on Monday.
The bus that was travelling to Zimbabwe, crashed around 90 kilometres from the border on Sunday after the driver apparently lost control.
According to preliminary reports, the bus is believed to have been transporting passengers from the Eastern Cape to their home countries when it veered off the road along a steep mountain pass and plunged down an embankment.
A further 39 people are reported to have been injured in the horrific bus accident.
The fatalities include 7 children, 17 men and 18 women who died while travelling from Gqeberha [Port Elizabeth] to Harare in Zimbabwe.
"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. We wish a full and speedy recovery to all survivors. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” said Premier Phophi Ramathuba.
Reasons behind the crash are still unknown.
The department of Transport and Community Safety has earlier announced that the road N1 road near Ingwe Lodge was closed as the scene is still active.
“Alternative routes: from Makhado to Musina: use the Witvlag turnoff. From Musina to Makhado: use the Williespoort turnoff,” says department spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala.
"Please exercise caution and follow traffic updates. Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident.
"Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available."
Premier Ramathuba is expected to visit the crash site this morning.
"The Premier will this morning, at 11:00, meet the multi-disciplinary team who have been attending to the accident at the scene of the accident to get the latest update. She will later address the media from the accident scene", the statement read.
"The Premier, together with various MECs, will visit the various hospitals where those who are injured are being attended to."
ALSO READ
