FORTY-TWO people have died and dozens more were injured after a bus transporting passengers from the Eastern Cape to Harare plunged off a steep section of the N1 highway in Limpopo on Sunday evening.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation confirmed that emergency crews recovered 42 bodies from the wreckage. Meanwhile, 49 survivors were rushed to hospitals in Louis Trichardt and Siloam for treatment.

According to spokesperson Simon Zwane, the bus overturned on a steep section of road. The exact cause remains under investigation.

The deceased are reported to include Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, many of whom were returning home. Among the victims was a ten-month-old infant.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba is due to visit the crash site and meet emergency services teams responding to the tragedy. She has expressed her condolences to the families affected and said the provincial government will assist wherever possible.

The scale of the disaster has shocked not only local communities but also neighbouring countries. Zimbabwean and Malawian consular services are coordinating with South African authorities to identify victims and assist next of kin. Psychosocial support is being provided to survivors.

This tragedy comes during South Africa’s annual Transport Month, which focuses on road safety nationwide. As investigations unfold, questions remain about whether vehicle maintenance, speed, road conditions or driver fatigue played a role in this devastating crash.