The death toll from Sunday’s horrific bus crash on the N1 near Ingwe Lodge has climbed to forty, with rescue teams still searching for more victims feared trapped in the wreckage.
According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the bus, which was reportedly travelling from Gqeberha to destinations in Zimbabwe and Malawi, lost control before plunging down an embankment and landing on its roof.
The devastating crash happened late on Sunday afternoon, causing a complete shutdown of the busy route.
By early Monday morning, emergency services, police, and traffic officers were still hard at work in a painstaking search and recovery operation. More than ten bodies were recovered overnight, while several others remain trapped as heavy rescue equipment is being used to access the wreckage.
Transport MEC Violet Mathye, who rushed to the scene, described the incident as “one of the worst crashes we’ve witnessed in recent years.” She confirmed that multiple passengers are still unaccounted for and that authorities are working closely with consular officials from Malawi and Zimbabwe to identify the deceased.
The N1 remains closed in both directions, with traffic being diverted through Witvlag and Williespoort. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and exercise patience as emergency workers continue their grim task.
SA Trucker extends heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this devastating crash. Updates will follow as rescue operations continue and more details are released by authorities.
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