Bus Crash in Northern South Africa Claims 42 Lives
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A bus veered off the N1 highway near Louis Trichardt around 6 p.m. Sunday, crashing down an embankment and killing at least 42 passengers. Authorities reported 49 others were injured, with six critically hurt, including an injured child who was airlifted to a hospital.
According to the Transport Ministry, the victims included 7 children, 17 men, and 18 women. Emergency services responded to the scene, where rescuers searched under the blue bus lying overturned. Rescue operations continued late into Sunday night, assisted by the Limpopo provincial government.
The bus was en route to Zimbabwe, carrying nationals from Zimbabwe and Malawi. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi, highlighting the tragedy’s occurrence during the country’s annual transport month, which emphasizes road safety.
In a similar incident last year, 45 individuals were killed in Limpopo when a bus plunged into a ravine; an 8-year-old girl was the sole survivor of that crash.
Authorities continue to gather further details on Sunday’s accident and are coordinating with medical services for the injured.
Originally Published: October 13, 2025, at 12:45 PM EDT