At least 40 people, including several Malawian and Zimbabwean nationals, have died after a passenger bus plunged down an embankment in South Africa’s Limpopo province, authorities confirmed on Monday.
The horrific crash occurred on Sunday, about 90 kilometres (55 miles) from the Zimbabwean border, when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle.
Limpopo’s provincial transport minister, Violet Mathye, told Newzroom Afrika that “forty bodies have been confirmed so far,” adding that a 10-month-old baby girl was among the victims.
Rescue teams continued to work at the scene through Monday, with 38 passengers hospitalized and search operations ongoing for others who may still be missing.
The bus had been travelling from the coastal city of Gqeberha — roughly 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) away — bound for Zimbabwe. Many of the passengers were Malawian and Zimbabwean nationals employed in South Africa.
Minister Mathye said early indications suggest the crash may have been caused by driver fatigue or a possible mechanical failure.
South Africa, despite having one of the continent’s most extensive road networks, continues to grapple with one of the world’s highest road fatality rates, largely attributed to speeding, reckless driving, and poorly maintained vehicles.
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