Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba is expected to visit the scene of the horrific bus crash that claimed the lives of 42 people on the N1 North near Louis Trichardt yesterday.

Polokwane Review reports that the premier will meet with a multi-disciplinary rescue and investigation team on-site at 11:00 today to receive a full briefing on the tragedy before addressing the media.

Later, she and several MECs will visit hospitals where survivors are receiving medical treatment.

Preliminary reports suggest that the bus was carrying passengers from Zimbabwe and Malawi, travelling from the Eastern Cape towards their home countries, when it veered off a steep mountain pass near the Ingwe Ranch and plunged down an embankment.

Emergency personnel, including paramedics, transport officers and police, responded swiftly.

The provincial government spokesperson, Ndavhe Ramakuela says rescue operations continued late into the night as survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent care.

“Investigations led by traffic authorities and the SAPS are underway to determine the cause of the crash,” his statement read.

The N1 North will remain closed as the scene is still active.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Losing so many lives in one incident is painful beyond words. On behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government, we extend our deepest condolences to the affected families, including those in Zimbabwe and Malawi. We wish a full and speedy recovery to all survivors. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” said Ramathuba.

Ramakuela added that the Limpopo Provincial Government is working closely with the departments of Transport and Community Safety, Health and Disaster Management to co-ordinate response and support services.

“Psychosocial support is being provided to survivors, and consular officials from Zimbabwe and Malawi are assisting families affected by the tragedy,” he said.

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