34 of 43 Limpopo Bus Crash Victims Identified

The Limpopo Provincial Government has confirmed that 34 of the 43 victims who perished in the horrific bus accident along the N1 near Louis Trichardt have been positively identified by their families.

The tragic crash occurred on Sunday evening when the bus, carrying 91 passengers from Gqeberha in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province to destinations in Zimbabwe and Malawi, overturned in the Tshambudzi Valley. Authorities believe the driver lost control of the vehicle on the steep and winding section of the road, resulting in the deadly accident.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said the provincial government has been working closely with affected families to facilitate the identification process. A photographic album containing images of the deceased was compiled to help relatives recognise their loved ones.

“So far, 34 human remains have now been identified. The challenge we are facing with the remaining nine is that some family members do not have proper documentation to travel into the country,” Ramathuba explained. “To address this, we are taking the album to the Beitbridge Border Post, where both South African and Zimbabwean authorities will assist in the verification process.”

She also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that government departments, including Home Affairs and Health, are coordinating efforts to ensure all victims are accounted for and repatriation procedures are handled with dignity.

The accident has reignited concerns over road safety on the N1 route, which is one of the busiest transport corridors connecting South Africa and its northern neighbours. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, while survivors continue to receive medical treatment at nearby hospitals.