At Least 40 Killed in South Africa Bus Crash

At least 40 people, including nationals from Malawi and Zimbabwe, have been killed after a passenger bus rolled down an embankment in South Africa, authorities confirmed on Monday.

The accident occurred around 90 kilometres (55 miles) from the Zimbabwean border on Sunday. The bus, travelling from the southern city of Gqeberha, approximately 1,500 kilometres away, was reportedly en route to Zimbabwe when the driver lost control, according to Limpopo province Transport Minister Violet Mathye.

“They are still working on the scene but 40 bodies already have been confirmed to date,” Mathye told the Newzroom Afrika channel. She added that the deceased included a 10-month-old girl.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Rescuers are continuing to search for additional victims, and 38 passengers are currently hospitalised, the minister told eNCA media.

The passengers included Malawians and Zimbabweans working in South Africa. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but the minister suggested it may have resulted from driver fatigue or a mechanical fault.

South Africa maintains a sophisticated and busy road network, yet it experiences a high rate of road fatalities. The majority of accidents are attributed to speeding, reckless driving, and unroadworthy vehicles.

This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about long-distance bus travel safety and the risks faced by both local and migrant workers using road transport in the region.