Deadly Bus Crash Near Makhado Kills 40 En Route to Zimbabwe
More than 40 people have died and dozens were injured in a deadly bus crash on the N1 highway near Makhado, Limpopo.
The long-distance coach was travelling from Gqeberha to Harare, when it veered off the road near Ingwe Lodge on Sunday afternoon.
The accident has been described as one of the worst transport tragedies in recent months.
Emergency services, law enforcement officers, and provincial Transport MEC Violet Mathye responded swiftly to the scene to coordinate rescue and recovery operations.
The N1 has been closed in both directions as authorities investigate the cause of the crash and work to clear the wreckage.
Motorists travelling between Musina and Louis Trichardt are advised to use alternative routes via the Witvlag and Williespoort turn-offs.
Provincial Transport Department spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala confirmed the incident, stating:
“We can confirm that a major accident involving a bus has occurred on the N1 near Ingwe Lodge outside Makhado on the way to Musina.
“The details of the accident are yet to be released and MEC Mathye is going to the scene.
“The road is currently closed and the alternative roads are as follows: if you are travelling from Makhado to Musina, you must use the Witvlag turn-off; if you are travelling from Musina to Makhado, use the Williespoort turn-off.”
Both eNCA and SABC have reported extensively from the scene, capturing the scale of the tragedy and the urgency of the emergency response.
As investigators work to determine what led to the fatal crash, families of the victims are left in anguish, and the nation mourns the lives lost in this horrific accident.
