Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
TWELVE Zimbabweans, including five children, were killed on Wednesday evening when a bus travelling from Cape Town to Zimbabwe overturned in South Africa’s Free State Province.
The accident occurred on the N1 highway, about 24km north of Trompsburg, while the bus was travelling towards Edenburg.
At least 66 passengers survived the crash with injuries of varying severity and were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Free State Department of Health spokesperson Mr Mondli Mvambi said the identities and genders of the deceased had not yet been formally confirmed.
He said the bus was carrying about 78 passengers when it overturned.
Passengers who sustained minor injuries were treated at Albert Nzula Hospital in Trompsburg. Five people suffered serious injuries, while four others who were critically injured were transferred to Pelonomi Trauma Hospital in Bloemfontein for emergency treatment.
Following the accident, the N1 was closed in both directions to allow forensic pathologists to process the scene and to facilitate recovery and towing operations.
Speaking to South African media, the Free State MEC for Community Safety, Mr Jabu Mbalula, conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.
“On behalf of the Free State Provincial Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic accident. To those injured, we wish you a speedy and full recovery. This is a devastating loss, and our thoughts are with all those affected,” he said.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
The N1 is one of southern Africa’s busiest transport corridors, linking South Africa with several neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Angola and Tanzania. The highway carries significant volumes of commercial and cross-border passenger traffic and has been the scene of several fatal road accidents in recent years
