At least eight people have been killed and 44 others injured after a Malawian bus reportedly suffered two brake failures before crashing along the dangerous Soutpansberg mountain pass on the N1 near Witvlag in Limpopo on Thursday evening.
The crash happened at approximately 6pm as the bus, carrying 61 passengers, travelled north from Gauteng towards Malawi through the mountainous stretch outside Louis Trichardt.
Emergency services, traffic officials, and police rushed to the scene following reports of a serious bus accident near the Witvlag turn-off, a section of road long feared by truck drivers and motorists because of its steep descents, sharp bends, and heavy vehicle traffic.
A survivor, identified as Kenyan national Isaac Agisali, described terrifying moments leading up to the crash, claiming the bus experienced brake problems twice before disaster struck.
Agisali said the bus first suffered brake failure before reaching the first tunnel on the Soutpansberg pass. He claimed the driver managed to pull over and appeared to temporarily restore the brakes before continuing.
However, after passing through the second tunnel, the brakes allegedly failed again while the bus descended the steep mountain pass in near darkness.
Passengers reportedly watched helplessly as the driver fought to regain control while the vehicle gathered speed downhill. Agisali said several passengers attempted to assist, but the bus could no longer be stopped.
The vehicle eventually crashed along the winding N1 route near Witvlag, leaving multiple passengers dead and dozens seriously injured.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed that several injured passengers were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, while rescue and recovery teams worked through the night at the scene.
Authorities have since reopened the N1 to traffic, although traffic officers remain on site conducting point duty after a truck became stuck near the crash scene.
Officials warned that the road would again be temporarily closed at 10am on Friday to allow for the recovery of a trailer and for the SAPS Dog Unit to continue searching the area for possible human remains.
Motorists travelling through the Soutpansberg pass have been urged to reduce speed, exercise extreme caution, and follow instructions from law enforcement officers.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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