Londile Moyo
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
One person was killed while three others were injured when a cross-border bus travelling from Johannesburg to Harare veered off the road and plunged into a ditch along the N1 highway near Makhado in Limpopo Province in South Africa on Wednesday morning.
Two of the injured passengers were treated and discharged, while another remains admitted in a Limpopo hospital in serious condition.
The accident occurred near the same stretch of road where 43 people, including Zimbabweans and Malawians, died in a similar crash last year.
The mountainous route, known for its sharp curves, has been the scene of several serious accidents.
Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Ms Mashudu Mabata confirmed the incident, saying the Jing Jong bus was carrying 14 people when it lost control.
“One person died — a male aged 30 years. Three people were injured and out of those, two were discharged and one remains in hospital. The bus was carrying eight passengers plus six crew members, bringing the total to 14 people,” said Ms Mabata.
She said emergency teams were still clearing the wreckage from the scene, but the road had since been temporarily reopened.
“The bus reportedly lost control and veered off the road, landing in a ditch along the N1 North near Ingwe Motel. Motorists are advised to reduce speed when approaching the area and drive with caution,” she said.
Traffic officers, police and emergency services remained on site to manage traffic and assist victims.
Ms Mabata urged motorists to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to traffic regulations.
“Further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available,” she said.
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