Families gather at Tshilidzini Hospital to identify victims of Limpopo bus tragedy
The Limpopo government says 17 families have begun identifying loved ones killed in the N1 bus tragedy that claimed 43 lives, as forensic teams collect fingerprints.
POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Provincial Government said 17 families arrived at the Tshilidzini Hospital yesterday (October 14) to identify their loved ones.
The identification process is expected to continue today (October 15), for the remaining families after their relatives were killed when a cross-border bus, travelling from the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe, veered off the Zoutpansberg mountain on Sunday evening (October 12).
Of the 91 passengers on board, 43 people lost their lives, 40 were hospitalised, and eight were self-discharged.
Read more: Limpopo bus tragedy: Death toll climbs to 43
Complex identification process
The provincial government spokesperson, Ndavhe Ramakuela confirmed that the Victim Identification Team has photographed all the deceased and begun collecting fingerprint sets to assist with identification.
The process is being supported by authorities from Zimbabwe and Malawi, who will help compare fingerprints as some victims were found without identification documents.
“It’s a meticulous process,” Ramakuela said. “We need to ensure that every set of remains is correctly identified before repatriation, so families can find closure.”
Post-mortem examinations are expected to be completed today.
Read more: 7 children among 42 dead in N1 horror bus incident
Families begin finding closure
To date, 19 patients have been discharged from Siloam, Louis Trichardt Memorial, and Elim hospitals to reconnect with their families in Zimbabwe and Malawi.
The Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba said the provincial government’s focus remains on supporting both survivors and grieving families.
“We are satisfied with the work done thus far by our teams. This is a difficult period, especially for the families, hence our focus is on assisting those injured to recover and ensuring positive identification of the deceased for families to find closure,” she said.
Investigations into cause under way
Ramakuela said ongoing investigations by the SAPS will focus on culpable homicide, while the Road Traffic Management Corporation continues compiling a technical report on the cause of the accident.
The Department of Transport has also begun discussions with Zimbabwean authorities to address cross-border transport compliance following reports that the bus had exceeded its passenger limit.
Ramathuba also expressed appreciation to Members of the Executive Council for their ongoing efforts in coordinating the provincial response since the tragedy.
