A passenger bus carrying Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals rolled down an embankment in northern South Africa on Sunday, killing at least 42 people and injuring dozens more, provincial authorities said Monday.

The crash occurred around 6 p.m. local time on the N1 highway near Louis Trichardt (Makhado) in the Limpopo province, about 90 kilometres from the Zimbabwean border.

Limpopo’s transport and community safety minister, Violet Mathye, said first responders had confirmed 40 bodies at the scene by Monday morning, and additional victims succumbed in hospital, bringing the death toll to 42. Among the dead were children, including a 10-month-old infant.

At least 49 people were injured in the crash; six were in critical condition and others sustained serious injuries. One critically injured child was airlifted to a hospital.

The bus was traveling from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) toward Zimbabwe, ferrying Zimbabwean and Malawian workers returning home.

Authorities are investigating possible causes. Minister Mathye suggested that driver fatigue or a mechanical fault may have caused the vehicle to lose control and veer off the road.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash, according to preliminary reports.

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba visited the crash site and expressed deep condolences, emphasizing the tragedy’s impact across borders.

The N1 freeway was temporarily closed following the accident, and motorists were directed to alternate routes via Witvlag and Williespoort turnoffs.

Provincial officials are coordinating with Zimbabwean and Malawian diplomatic missions to assist with repatriation of bodies and support to victims’ families.

Emergency services, law enforcement, and transport authorities continued search and rescue efforts late into Sunday night, combing the wreckage and stabilizing injured survivors.

South Africa has a high rate of road traffic fatalities, often attributed to speeding, driver fatigue, reckless driving, and poor vehicle maintenance.

This was not the first deadly bus disaster in Limpopo. In March 2024, a bus carrying Easter pilgrims plunged off a bridge, claiming 45 lives—with only one child surviving.

As investigations unfold, many eyes will be on South Africa’s road safety measures, enforcement of driving regulations, and the conditions of long-haul bus operations. (ILKHA)