Speeding and Overloading Under Scrutiny in Deadly Limpopo Bus Crash

Natalie Nyathi

A horrific bus crash in Limpopo, which resulted in 42 fatalities, is under investigation, with a focus on speeding and overloading as major contributing factors. The accident happened on Sunday evening when the bus veered off a mountain pass on the N1 highway near Makhado and plunged down an embankment.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy stated that the bus was approved to carry 60 passengers but was carrying 91.

According to reports, survivors claim the bus was not only overloaded but also speeding. Chaoma Mukondiona, a survivor, told Sowetan that the bus was traveling at a high speed, nearly causing a head-on collision. He added that passengers pleaded with the driver to be more careful.

Another survivor, Willard Suweni, also interviewed by Sowetan, said that the driver began speeding after a stop in Bloemfontein, ignoring passengers’ concerns. He recalled a dangerous turn that left everyone in shock.

Some survivors also allege that traffic officials stopped the bus multiple times but did not address the overloading. One survivor told Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba that officials would stop the bus but “didn’t do anything” about the overloading.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and local authorities are investigating the crash to determine the exact cause. They are considering factors such as driver fatigue and mechanical failure.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences, calling the crash a “tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi.”

The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances of the crash and implement measures to prevent future tragedies.