40 Zimbabwean and Malawian Nationals Killed as Bus Travelling from Gqeberha to Harare Crashes in Limpopo

40 People Killed in Horror Bus Crash on N1 Near Makhado

In a tragic road accident, at least 40 people have been confirmed dead following a bus crash on the N1 freeway near Makhado (formerly Louis Trichardt) in Limpopo.

The ill-fated bus was travelling from Gqeberha to Harare in Zimbabwe when it veered off the road on Sunday afternoon.

According to authorities, dozens of passengers were also injured in the crash, which occurred near Ingwe Lodge in Musina around 2 pm.

Also Read: Two Dead After Delta Bus En Route To Zimbabwe Hijacked In Johannesburg

Victims Included Zimbabwean and Malawian Nationals

Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye confirmed that the victims were Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals travelling home for the holidays.

“Let me pass my condolences to the two countries that have lost loved ones — Zimbabwe and Malawi. We have reported 38 injuries; these are the people who are currently in hospital. They were originally 39, but a 10-month-old baby passed away after being referred to hospital,” Mathye told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.

The bus, which began its journey in Gqeberha, was scheduled to continue from Harare to Malawi, covering a distance of more than 2,100 kilometers.

Authorities Investigating Possible Causes

Mathye said that by Monday morning, law enforcement agencies were still on the scene and the death toll had risen to 40.

“There was no other vehicle involved. I am sure the bus lost control. I do not know what caused it — it could be driver fatigue or a mechanical fault that made the bus lose control and go down the ditch. We will only know once the final report is completed,” she added.

Condolences and Ongoing Response

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and to the governments of Zimbabwe and Malawi. Emergency personnel remained on-site into Monday, assisting survivors and recovering the remains of the deceased.

Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to road safety regulations as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.