NATIONAL NEWS - The death toll from Sunday’s cross-border bus crash in Limpopo has risen to 43 after a male passenger died in hospital last night.
Polokwane Review reports that Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba confirmed the updated figure during an interview with SABC News this morning, saying it has been ‘a difficult two days’ for the province.
The incident occurred when the bus overturned and plunged down an embankment near Ingwe Ranch on the N1 north of Louis Trichardt. The bus, carrying passengers from Zimbabwe and Malawi, had been travelling from the Eastern Cape toward their home countries.
Updated toll: 43 dead, 49 injured
According to the latest official figures:
Fatalities
- 7 children (including a 10-month-old baby)
- 18 adult males
- 18 adult females
Injuries
- 6 critically injured
- 31 seriously injured
- 12 sustained minor injuries
The cause of the incident remains under investigation, however, speeding and overloading cannot be ruled out after preliminary information indicated that the bus, designed to carry 60 passengers, was ferrying 91 people at the time.
Mammoth task ahead
Yesterday, Ramathuba told the media outside Louis Trichardt Hospital that a mammoth task lies ahead in identifying the deceased.
The ambassador of Zimbabwe, David Hamadziripi, and the high commissioner of Malawi, Stella Hauya Ndau, confirmed that delegations from both countries will arrive in South Africa to assist with the identification process.
“Yes, post mortem will do that but the bodies need to be identified in order for us to issue death certificates in preparation for repatriation. It is going to be tough but we will work with our colleagues in the national sphere of government as well as our Zimbabwean and Malawian colleagues,” she said.
She told the SABC that post mortems will begin tomorrow.
President sends condolences
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended condolences to the governments and people of Zimbabwe and Malawi following the tragedy.
“This incident is a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike,” he said. “This sadness is compounded by the fact that it took place during Transport Month, when we emphasise the importance of road safety.”
Ramaphosa urged all road users and operators to prioritise safety and responsible driving.
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