A tragic bus crash on the R33 between eMkhondo and Amsterdam on Monday afternoon has left five passengers dead and several others injured.
The crash happened on 01 December 2025 when the driver allegedly lost control of the bus, causing it to overturn in wet and slippery conditions.
According to authorities, six passengers sustained serious injuries while another 20 escaped with minor injuries. The driver also suffered injuries and was rushed to hospital together with the other survivors. Various ambulance services responded to the scene and transported patients to Mkhondo for medical care.
Early rumours suggested that the bus was overloaded with more than 80 passengers, but officials have since confirmed that this was incorrect.
The bus left Johannesburg with a passenger list of 65 names, with some passengers getting off at earlier stops along the route. At the time of the crash, there were only 31 occupants including the driver.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, however wet road conditions are suspected to have contributed.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, has urged motorists to adjust their driving behaviour during adverse weather conditions, especially as holiday traffic builds up.
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“Every driver must prioritise their own safety and that of other road users. Let us save lives by being highly alert and obeying the rules of the road. Long-distance drivers must rest sufficiently along the way,” Macie said.
He extended condolences to the families who lost loved ones and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
With festive season traffic already picking up, this crash serves as another reminder that fatigue, speeding and wet road surfaces are a deadly combo. Stay sharp behind the wheel, check your brakes, and respect the weather conditions. We all want to make it home alive.
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