The death toll in Sunday’s devastating DNC bus crash on the N1 near Ingwe Lodge, outside Louis Trichardt, has tragically risen to 42. Among the victims are 18 men, 17 women and seven children, including a 10-month-old baby.
According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the passengers were Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals travelling from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to their home countries when the bus veered off a mountainous stretch of the N1 and plunged down an embankment.
Emergency teams worked through the night, recovering bodies and rushing survivors to nearby hospitals. Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba visited the crash site on Monday morning to meet first responders and later offered condolences to the bereaved families.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Losing so many lives in one incident is painful beyond words. On behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government, we extend our deepest condolences to the affected families, including those in Zimbabwe and Malawi,” said Ramathuba.
Read | At Least 40 People Confirmed Dead in N1 Limpopo Bus Crash
Limpopo Transport MEC Violet Mathye confirmed that investigations are underway, with driver fatigue or a possible mechanical failure among the suspected causes.
The N1 freeway was temporarily closed to allow rescue and recovery operations. Motorists travelling between Makhado and Musina were diverted via Witvlag and Williespoort turnoffs.
Authorities are working with Zimbabwean and Malawian consular services to help identify victims and assist families. Psychosocial support is being offered to survivors while traffic officials and police continue their probe into what has become one of Limpopo’s deadliest bus accidents in recent years.
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