Tiny Survivor in a Sea of Loss — Baby Girl Found Alive After Bus Disaster
A four-month-old baby girl has miraculously survived a deadly bus crash near Makhado, Limpopo, that claimed the lives of 43 Zimbabwean nationals.
The long-distance bus, traveling from Gqeberha in South Africa’s Eastern Cape to Harare, Zimbabwe, veered off the N1 highway and overturned on Sunday, 12 October.
The infant, who sustained only minor scratches, is receiving medical care at Siloam and Elim hospitals alongside 49 other survivors.
Among the deceased were seven children, including a 10-month-old girl.
Most passengers were believed to be Zimbabweans returning home.
The process of identifying the victims officially began today.
Authorities are still working to determine whether the baby’s parents survived the crash.
“We have not received that report yet,” said Tilivhali Muavha, spokesperson for the Limpopo Premier, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the youngest victims.
South Africa’s Transport Minister Barbara Creecy cited overloading and speeding as possible causes of the accident.
“We will be working, as the South African government, closely with our neighbours and assisting our neighbours on any matters that would require assistance,” Creecy said.
She added that the recovery operation lasted through the night.
“Many of the victims had actually been thrown out of the bus as it went down the embankment and were found to be underneath the bus when they were removing it.”
According to Daily Sun, the baby’s survival has been described as miraculous given the scale of destruction.
Medical teams are prioritizing care for the injured, with six survivors currently classified as critical.
Emotional trauma remains a major concern, as survivors continue to process the horror of the crash.
Authorities from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi are coordinating efforts to support the victims and repatriate the deceased.
The bus, operated by DNC Coaches, was reportedly en route to Malawi via Harare.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged state assistance for medical care and repatriation.
“Life remains precious whenever it is lost and in whatever country,” Mnangagwa said.
As investigations continue, officials are calling for stricter cross-border transport regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation is leading the probe into what has become one of the deadliest road accidents involving Zimbabwean nationals in recent years.
