10 Killed, Including Five Children, in Zimbabwe-Bound Bus Crash in South Africa
- Southerton Business Times
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Free State, South Africa
Ten people, including five children, have been killed after a Zimbabwe-bound Munenzva Bus travelling from Cape Town overturned on the N1 highway near Trompsburg in South Africa's Free State Province.
The crash occurred on Thursday night, approximately 24 kilometres north of Trompsburg in the direction of Edenburg, when the bus, carrying about 60 passengers, overturned under circumstances that are still under investigation. Emergency responders worked through the night to rescue passengers trapped inside the wreckage, while dozens of injured survivors were taken to nearby health facilities for treatment.
Authorities initially reported that 11, and later 12, people had died in the crash. However, the death toll was subsequently revised to 10 following verification at the scene. Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health, said the confusion arose because of the severity of the collision during the recovery operation.
"Due to the severity of the crash, some remains were initially counted more than once. The bus has been recovered and placed back on its wheels. Road recovery operations are still underway, and the N1 diversion remains in place until further notice," Mvambi said.
Emergency medical teams transported injured passengers to several healthcare facilities for treatment. Passengers who sustained minor injuries were taken to Albert Nzula Hospital, where they were assessed and prepared for discharge. Authorities have not yet released the identities of those who died, pending the notification of their next of kin.
Traffic authorities have diverted vehicles away from the affected section of the N1 while accident investigators and recovery teams continue working at the scene. Motorists have been urged to avoid the area, use alternative routes and exercise caution until the road is fully reopened. Investigators are expected to examine several factors, including the mechanical condition of the bus, road conditions and driver-related circumstances, to establish the cause of the crash.
The Cape Town–Zimbabwe route is among the busiest long-distance transport corridors for Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa, particularly during holiday periods and month-end travel. Road safety experts have repeatedly urged long-distance bus operators to ensure strict compliance with vehicle maintenance standards, speed regulations and driver fatigue management to reduce fatal crashes. Authorities in South Africa said investigations into the tragedy are continuing, with further updates expected once the accident reconstruction has been completed.
Zimbabwe-bound bus crash South Africa