A video from the recent DNC bus crash on the N1 near Makhado, showing the bodies of victims lying uncovered at the scene, has sparked widespread public outrage online. The footage, which appears to have been taken by someone with access to the crash site, shows emergency personnel standing nearby while the remains of passengers are in plain view.
Many social media users criticised the apparent lack of sensitivity, questioning how such graphic footage could be recorded and shared before some families of the deceased were notified. The tragic crash, which claimed 43 lives, including seven children, has left Limpopo residents still reeling from one of the province’s deadliest transport disasters in recent years.
In response to a media query from SA Trucker, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, through Mr Matsila, Head of Traffic, said the department is not aware of the origin of the video. He added that all officers are trained on policies governing the handling of road crash scenes.
“It is further noted that even the discussion does not involve traffic officers, although they are appearing in the captured video,” Mr Matsila said.
He emphasised that officers at crash scenes are fully aware of the protocols surrounding the handling of sensitive situations.
While the source of the video remains unknown, the incident has raised broader questions about how sensitive crash scenes are recorded and the conduct of personnel who are present at such tragic events. The Limpopo Department said it continues to monitor the situation and follows established policy when managing road incidents involving fatalities.
The DNC bus tragedy remains fresh in the public’s mind, and the circulation of the video has reignited discussions about dignity and respect for victims at accident scenes, as well as the responsibilities of multi-disciplinary teams, including traffic officers, EMS, and forensic personnel.
Read | Another Tragic Crash on R36 in Limpopo Just Days After Deadly DNC Bus Tragedy
Meanwhile, some family members of those who died in the crash have arrived at the Makhado Police Station in Louis Trichardt to begin identifying their loved ones. The bus, which was travelling from Gqeberha to Malawi, crashed in the Tshambudzi valley on Sunday.
Police are showing photos of survivors and the deceased to help families determine the state of their relatives. So far, 17 of the 43 bodies have been identified.
According to the Limpopo Department of Health, 17 survivors remain hospitalised, while families at the police station have declined to speak to the media.
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