Tragic South Africa Bus Crash on Mountain Road Claims at Least 42 Lives
At least 42 individuals have lost their lives in a tragic bus crash on a steep mountain road in South Africa. The incident involved numerous casualties, including seven children, while 49 more sustained injuries.
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred near Louis Trichardt, located in Limpopo, approximately 250 miles north of Pretoria. The bus, which was en route to Zimbabwe, veered off the N1 road and fell down an embankment around 6 PM on a Sunday.
Victims and Injuries
The fatalities included 18 women and 17 men. Among the injured, six individuals were reported to be in critical condition. The transport ministry noted that one seriously injured child was airlifted to a hospital, while another 31 sustained serious injuries and were transported to various medical facilities.
Passengers’ Nationalities
- The bus carried nationals from Zimbabwe and Malawi.
- Passengers were returning to their home countries.
Rescue Efforts
Rescuers worked beneath the overturned bus as they searched for survivors amidst the wreckage.
Official Reactions
Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, expressed profound condolences to Zimbabwe and Malawi. He described the event as a tragedy not only for South Africa but also for its neighboring nations.
Historical Context
This accident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in the region. Last year, a similar bus crash in Limpopo resulted in 45 fatalities when a vehicle went off a bridge into a ravine. Remarkably, an eight-year-old girl was the sole survivor of that incident.
The mystery surrounding the cause of the crash remains unsolved as investigations continue. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the factors that led to this devastating event.
