A bus crashed on the N1 North near Ingwe Lodge in Musina. Image credit: Arrive Alive
(The Post News) – The tragic accident on the N1 freeway that killed forty-two people has taken a serious turn. According to survivors, the bus was severely overloaded and traffic officials failed to stop the vehicle despite having multiple opportunities to intervene along its route.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy made the findings after confirming that overcrowding and speeding were the reasons for the horrific incident that occurred on Sunday when the DNC Coaches bus carrying Malawian and Zimbabwean citizens veered off the road close to Louis Trichardt.
Carrying 31 Extra Passengers
Minister Creecy claims that although the bus was authorised to transport 60 passengers, it was regrettably carrying 91.
As they received treatment at hospitals such as Siloam, survivors gave a terrifying description of the impending disaster. After picking up more people, one male survivor reported that the bus, which had begun in Gqeberha, was already full when it departed East London.
A female passenger who frequently used the service stated, “We were already complaining when the bus left and we were told that we will get space when other people get off.”
Officials Accused of Ignoring Danger
Allegations that road officials missed numerous opportunities to stop the disaster are perhaps the most concerning finding.
The male survivor attested that traffic officials on the route stopped the bus multiple times but did nothing, allowing the heavily crowded vehicle to continue to its deadly destination.
Passengers’ worries increased as the trip went on. Another witness recalled smelling a burned clutch plate, which suggested mechanical strain, while another stated that after overtaking Louis Trichardt, comments about the driver’s high speed started to circulate.
None of the three bus drivers survived the crash, which complicates the investigation.
Premier Ramathuba Responds
Along with provincial MECs, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba visited the hospital in Vhembe District to see the injured survivors and the scene of the horrific disaster. The Premier had earlier stated that, pending an official preliminary investigation anticipated in 48 hours, driver fatigue could not be ruled out.
Ramathuba emphasised that the human cost was the primary emphasis at the moment. A sad priority was “to retrieve and store the remains of those who died,” she added, adding that “the survivors will be prioritised and they will be visited in the hospital.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo, meanwhile, claimed the tragedy exposed a systemic failure and demanded an immediate investigation into the effectiveness of road safety enforcement and more visibility of traffic officers.
Eighteen women, seventeen men, and seven children have been confirmed dead as a result of the incident. Forty-three additional passengers suffered serious and minor injuries, while six more people are still in critical condition.
About the Author
