Another crash near Makhado bus disaster scene

Another accident near Makhado bus crash scene

Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

BARELY days after the tragic bus accident that claimed 43 lives near Makhado in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, on Sunday, another crash has occurred — this time involving a commercial truck that plunged down a cliff opposite the original crash site on Wednesday afternoon.

The truck, which was carrying cement and travelling towards Musina along the N1 highway, reportedly veered off the road and crashed into a gorge.

At least 40 killed, dozens injured in N1 bus crash en route to Zimbabwe – herald

UPDATE: 17 men, 18 women, 7 children among dead in Makhado bus crash . . . as SA’s Road Traffic Management Corporation investigates – herald

“Darkest moment in our lives”: Bus operator mourns Makhado crash victims – herald

“The bus was overloaded”: Families mourn loved ones after deadly Limpopo crash – herald

South African journalist Kaizer Nengovhela, who was at the scene, said paramedics were still working to determine the extent of the damage.

“Indications are that the truck was travelling towards Musina when it drifted down the cliff just opposite the Sunday bus crash scene. At the moment, we cannot tell if there are any fatalities since rescue workers are still attending to the scene,” said Nengovhela.

The area near Ingwe Lodge has become a notorious black spot, with several deadly accidents recorded between Makhado and Musina along the winding, cliff-lined stretch of the N1 road.

Meanwhile, the Limpopo Provincial Government has begun identifying the remains of the 43 victims of Sunday’s bus accident.

Provincial spokesperson Mr Ndavhe Ramakuela said the process involves the use of fingerprint verification systems and photographs to assist families.

“The Limpopo Provincial Government has provided an update on progress made on the N1 Louis Trichardt bus accident, especially the identification processes of the remains,” he said.

The bus, which was travelling from the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe with 91 passengers, veered off the Zoutpansberg Mountain on Sunday.

“Of the occupants, 43 lost their lives, 40 received medical attention in different medical facilities, while eight self-discharged,” said Mr Ramakuela.

He added that as of Tuesday, 17 families had arrived at Tshilidzini Hospital to identify their loved ones, with the process continuing today.

“The victim identification team has taken photographs of all the deceased and the provincial government is encouraging families who are searching for their loved ones to visit the hospital as part of family identification.”