A TRAGIC accident has occurred in Limpopo.
42 people have been confirmed dead in a bus crash on the N1 North near Louis Trichardt.
The accident took place in a mountainous section of the road on Sunday, 12 October.
According to preliminary reports, the bus is believed to have been transporting passengers from Zimbabwe and Malawi who were travelling from the Eastern Cape to their home countries when it veered off the road along a steep mountain pass and plunged down an embankment.
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba will meet the multi-disciplinary team attending the accident to receive the latest updates.
She will later address the media from the accident scene.
Ramathuba, together with various MECs, will also visit the various hospitals where those who are injured are being attended to.
"This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Losing so many lives in one incident is painful beyond words.
"On behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government, we extend our deepest condolences to the affected families, including those in Zimbabwe and Malawi. We wish a full and speedy recovery to all survivors. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time," said Premier Ramathuba.
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This accident occurred just days after twelve people died in a taxi crash along the R81 road in Ga-Sekgopo on Sunday, 28 September.
Emergency services, including paramedics, transport officers and law enforcement officials, responded swiftly to the scene.
Rescue operations continued late into the evening, with several injured passengers being transported to nearby hospitals for medical care.
Investigations led by traffic authorities and the South African Police Service are currently underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Ramathuba's spokesman, Tilivhali Muavha, said the provincial government is collaborating closely with the Department of Transport and Community Safety, the Department of Health, and Disaster Management teams to coordinate support.
Psychosocial services are being offered to survivors, and liaison is underway with consular services from Zimbabwe and Malawi to assist affected families.
