Makhado, Limpopo — The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety on Monday confirmed that at least 40 people have died in a bus accident on the N1 freeway outside Makhado, formerly known as Louis Trichardt.
According to preliminary information, the crash occurred when a bus travelling from Port Elizabeth to Zimbabwe lost control and overturned. The tragic accident resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Emergency services and rescue teams responded immediately to the scene after reports of the crash were received. Authorities said rescue operations continued for several hours as officials worked to recover bodies and assist survivors.
“The department can confirm that at least 40 people have lost their lives in this tragic incident,” the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety said in a statement released on Monday.
Officials said the victims were identified as Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals who were travelling to Zimbabwe. Several survivors were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The department said that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that speeding and wet road conditions may have played a role in the crash.
“The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but initial indications point to possible speeding and slippery road conditions due to rain,” the department added.
Witnesses at the scene described how the bus appeared to lose control before overturning. The vehicle reportedly landed on its side, trapping several passengers inside.
Rescue workers used specialised equipment to reach trapped passengers. Local police, paramedics, and fire services worked together to retrieve bodies and assist the injured.
Authorities said recovery operations were difficult due to the scale of the crash and the number of victims involved. Efforts to identify all the deceased are still underway.
Traffic on the N1 freeway remained heavily affected on Monday as clean-up and recovery operations continued. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes.
The department has called on road users to exercise caution, especially during the rainy season, when road conditions can be hazardous.
Officials expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said arrangements were being made to assist the affected families with identification and repatriation processes.
“The department extends its deepest sympathies to all families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy,” the statement said.
