Zimbabwean Bus in Limpopo Pile-Up, Passengers Escape Unhurt

Zimbabwean bus passengers escaped unhurt after a pile-up involving a tanker on the N1 near Makhado, Limpopo (image source)

MAKHADO — Zimbabwean travellers narrowly escaped death on Tuesday morning after their cross-border bus was involved in a multi-vehicle pile-up with a tanker truck and a hatchback about 11 kilometres outside Makhado in South Africa’s Limpopo Province.

The accident occurred on the N1 North at the Witvlag turn-off, a key route linking Zimbabwe to South Africa. The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed the incident, saying the bus driver sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital, while all passengers escaped unharmed.

“The Exo bus travelling from Zimbabwe to Gauteng was involved in the accident near Makhado. Only the bus driver was injured and taken to hospital. The rest of the passengers escaped unhurt and have since secured alternative transport to Gauteng,” said department spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala.

The collision forced authorities to temporarily close the highway, resulting in long traffic queues in both directions. Taueatsoala urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, citing misty and rainy conditions that reduced visibility and created hazardous driving conditions.

Road users travelling between Louis Trichardt and Musina were advised to delay their journeys until congestion eased. Authorities also announced alternative routes to ease traffic flow. Motorists from Musina were advised to turn right onto the R523 towards Siloam and rejoin the N1 at Witvlag, while those travelling from Makhado towards Musina were directed to turn right at Witvlag, then left onto the R523 before rejoining the N1 at Willispoort.

The incident has once again highlighted safety concerns along the N1 corridor, a major artery for cross-border traffic between Zimbabwe and South Africa. The route carries heavy volumes of trucks, buses and private vehicles, particularly during the festive season, when traffic congestion and accident risks increase.

Witnesses commended the swift response of emergency services and praised the calmness of the passengers, who managed to organise alternative transport to continue their journey. Authorities said investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.

Road safety experts have renewed calls for motorists to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances and remain vigilant, especially in poor weather conditions. While the passengers escaped unscathed, the accident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly routine journeys on busy regional highways can turn dangerous.