Louis Trichardt bus crash survivors blame speeding driver
Survivors allege speeding and overloading caused the Louis Trichardt bus tragedy that claimed 43 lives and injured dozens.
LIMPOPO – Survivors of the bus crash that claimed 43 lives last Sunday outside Louis Trichardt have blamed the driver for speeding and overloading, as authorities continue identifying the deceased and investigating the cause of the tragedy.
The bus, operated by DNC Bus Services, a company based in Zimbabwe with a secondary office in East London, was travelling from Gqeberha to Zimbabwe with 91 passengers when it veered off the N1 at a sharp bend on a mountain pass.
The driver reportedly lost control, and the bus broke through the roadside barrier before plunging down a steep embankment, trapping many passengers underneath.
Of the 91 occupants, 43 died, 40 were hospitalised, and eight discharged themselves. The injured were taken to Louis Trichardt Memorial, Siloam and Elim hospitals, while a critically injured child was airlifted to Tshilidzini Hospital.
Survivor recounts scenes of chaos and fear
Passenger Maxwell Zacharia described the ordeal as traumatising.
“Most people were sleeping at the time, and only a few actually witnessed what had happened. I think everyone woke up when the bus hit the slope, so it was a bit traumatising. There were kids in the bus too.
“When I woke up, I heard people screaming and I saw the bus had left the road. I thought the bus was going to catch fire, and then I opened a window so that we could be safe should that happen.”
A “national tragedy”
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed that the fatalities included seven children, 17 men and 19 women.
She expressed concern over the recurring public transport incidents and said the review of the National Road Safety Strategy aims to improve safety.
The Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, who visited the scene, said speeding and fatigue were possible causes.
“This is no longer a family tragedy but a national tragedy,” she said.
By October 14, 17 families had arrived at Tshilidzini Hospital to identify their loved ones.
Repatriation costs covered
Authorities are working with Zimbabwean and Malawian officials to match fingerprints, as some victims had no identification. Nineteen patients have since been discharged.
Zimbabwean ambassador David Hamadziripi confirmed that both the Zimbabwean and Malawian governments will cover repatriation costs for the deceased.
