DNC bus horror: 42 Zimbabweans and Malawians dead, Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba visits scene
The death toll from Sunday’s horrific bus crash on the N1 north near Makhado (formerly Louis Trichardt) has risen to 42, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba confirmed.
Most of the victims were Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals travelling home from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape.
The DNC bus reportedly veered off a mountainous section of the N1 and plunged down an embankment. Emergency services, including paramedics, transport officers, and law enforcement officials, responded swiftly, recovering the deceased and transporting injured passengers to nearby hospitals.
Premier Ramathuba is scheduled to visit the crash site at 11 am on Monday to meet the multi-disciplinary emergency team for updates. She will later address the media and visit hospitals where the injured are receiving care.
“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,” Ramathuba said.
Earlier, Limpopo Transport MEC Violet Mathye confirmed that the deceased included a 10-month-old baby. She said driver fatigue or a possible mechanical fault could have caused the bus to lose control, though investigations are ongoing.
The N1 freeway was temporarily closed following the crash. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes: from Makhado to Musina via the Witvlag turnoff, and from Musina to Makhado via the Williespoort turnoff.
The tragedy follows reports that the bus carried passengers from Zimbabwe and Malawi who were returning home for personal reasons. Rescue operations continued late into Sunday evening, with law enforcement and transport officials coordinating efforts alongside disaster management teams.
The Limpopo government is also providing psychosocial support to survivors and working with consular services from Zimbabwe and Malawi to assist affected families. Traffic authorities and the South African Police Service continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News