At least forty-two people, mostly Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, have died after a bus overturned along a mountainous section of the N1 highway in South Africa’s Limpopo Province on Sunday night.
According to local transport officials, the bus, which was travelling from the city of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, veered off the road along a steep mountain pass and plunged down an embankment.
The tragic accident claimed the lives of seven children, 18 women, and 17 men, while 49 others sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, describing the incident as “a tragedy not only for South Africa but also for our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi.”
The cause of the crash is yet to be determined, but authorities say investigations are underway to establish what led to the fatal incident.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and other government officials are expected to visit the crash site and meet with the injured survivors.
The crash adds to growing concerns about road safety along South Africa’s major highways, particularly in mountainous regions prone to accidents.
Source: BBC News
