Five children among 12 Zimbabweans killed in SA bus crash
· The South African
Five children were among 12 Zimbabweans killed when a bus travelling from Cape Town to Zimbabwe overturned on the N1 highway in South Africa’s Free State province on Wednesday evening.
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The crash happened about 24 kilometres north of Trompsburg as the bus was travelling towards Edenburg.
Authorities said the vehicle was carrying about 78 passengers when it overturned.
At least 66 passengers survived the crash but sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical.
Emergency services transported the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Free State Department of Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said authorities had not yet formally confirmed the identities and genders of those who died.
Passengers with minor injuries received treatment at Albert Nzula Hospital in Trompsburg.
Five people suffered serious injuries, while four critically injured passengers were transferred to Pelonomi Trauma Hospital in Bloemfontein for specialised emergency care.
Bus crash investigation continues
Authorities closed the N1 in both directions following the bus crash to allow forensic pathologists to examine the scene and recovery teams to remove the wreckage.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the accident.
Free State MEC for Community Safety Jabu Mbalula extended condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones.
“On behalf of the Free State Provincial Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic accident. To those injured, we wish you a speedy and full recovery. This is a devastating loss, and our thoughts are with all those affected,” he said.
Key cross-border route
The N1 is one of Southern Africa’s busiest transport corridors, linking South Africa with neighbouring countries including Zimbabwe, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Angola and Tanzania.
Thousands of Zimbabweans use the route each year to travel between South Africa and home for work, family visits and holidays.
The highway also carries significant volumes of commercial traffic and long-distance passenger buses.
The latest crash has once again raised concerns about road safety on one of the region’s busiest cross-border routes, where several fatal bus accidents have occurred in recent years.
Zimbabwean authorities had not yet issued a statement on the tragedy at the time of publication.