Government officials visit LTT bus crash victims

LIMPOPO – The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa and Zimbabwe’s Consul-General in South Africa, Eria Phiri, last week visited the scene of the tragic bus crash that occurred on August 29 near Louis Trichardt. They also met with survivors receiving treatment at the Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital.

The incident took place just before midnight at the 3 Mile traffic circle on the N1 south outside Louis Trichardt. Ten passengers, including a toddler, lost their lives, while three others sustained serious injuries. Additionally, 21 passengers suffered moderate injuries, and another 21 had minor injuries.

One survivor described hearing a loud bang before the bus overturned and rolled multiple times.

Hlengwa expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and assured the public that the government is working closely with authorities to ensure the families of the deceased receive the necessary support. He highlighted the importance of road safety, particularly on long-distance routes frequently used by buses and heavy vehicles.

Hlengwa urged all road users to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to traffic regulations to prevent future accidents. Reports suggest that the bus, en route from Zimbabwe to Johannesburg, was travelling at a high speed when it collided with the traffic circle island.

Phiri stated that efforts are underway to identify the bodies, with the Zimbabwean government covering all repatriation costs.

“We are in contact with the families in Zimbabwe to confirm the identities of those in the mortuary,” Phiri said, adding that two victims have been positively identified by their relatives so far.

He also noted that a broader investigation is being conducted by security services to address the legality of the passengers’ movement into South Africa.