Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The death toll from a bus crash which killed Zimbabweans and Malawians has risen to 42, South African officials have said.
They include 18 women, 17 men, and seven children, according to reports.
The 42 died after a DNC bus in which they were travelling overturned just outside Makhado, formerly Louis Trichardt, in the Limpopo province of the neighbouring country.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety on Monday confirmed the horrific bus accident on the N1 freeway outside Makhado.
Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika that the deceased were Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals who were travelling to their respective home countries from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
“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,” she said.
She said earlier in the morning, 40 deaths were confirmed on the scene by law enforcement agencies at the crash site.
“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,” Mathye said.
Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences.
“This incident is a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike,” he said.
“This sadness is compounded by the fact that this incident has taken place during our annual Transport Month, where we place a special focus on the importance of safety on our roads.”
He added: “Our roads are also economic networks that bring the people of our region together across our national borders.
“We must do everything we can as road users, as transport operators, drivers, and passengers to ensure that we stay safe and that we share our roads responsibly and with care for one another.”
The distance between Gqeberha and Harare is more than 2 100 kilometres.
From Harare, the bus was destined to travel to Malawi.
According to the department, the crash occurred at around 2pm on Sunday on the N1 North near Ingwe Lodge in Musina.
The N1 freeway was closed following the accident, and motorists were advised to use alternative routes. – Additional reporting by IOL
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