At least 42 people have died after a bus plunged off a steep mountain road in northern South Africa. The crash occurred on Sunday near the town of Louis Trichardt along the N1 highway, about 400 kilometers north of Pretoria. The bus was traveling from the Eastern Cape province toward Zimbabwe and Malawi when it veered off the road and fell down a steep embankment.
Authorities confirmed the high number of fatalities and are still verifying the total number of injured. Many of the passengers were returning home to Zimbabwe and Malawi, highlighting the regional impact of the accident. Simon Zwane, a spokesperson for the Road Traffic Management Corporation, expressed condolences and urged vigilance on the dangerous road.
Local emergency teams raced to the scene to provide assistance, but the difficult terrain has complicated rescue efforts. Preliminary reports suggest the driver might have lost control while navigating the mountainous stretch. The Limpopo province transport minister, Violet Mathye, stated the incident is a serious tragedy for the community and the region.
Key Details of the Incident
- Location: Near Louis Trichardt, northern South Africa, along the N1 highway
- Number of deaths: At least 42 confirmed
- Bus route: From Eastern Cape province to Zimbabwe and Malawi
- Cause: Possible loss of control on mountainous road
- Response: Emergency teams on scene, difficult rescue due to terrain
Impact and Response
- High fatality underlines dangerous travel conditions on regional routes.
- Government and humanitarian groups providing support to affected families.
- Calls for improved road safety measures, especially on risky mountainous stretches.
- Official condolences and warnings issued by transportation authorities.
This crash is one of the deadliest road accidents in South Africa recently, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced road safety. Families impacted by this tragedy continue to receive aid while investigations are ongoing.
Stay tuned to Questiqa World News for more latest updates.
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