Limpopo Bus Crash: RTMC launches probe into tragedy claiming 42 lives
Scene of the Limpopo bus crash on N1 highway. Photo Credit- RTMC
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has mobilized a team of crash investigators to the site of a devastating bus accident on the N1 highway near Ingwe Lodge, where 42 people perished in a horrific overturning incident on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The tragedy unfolded around 6:00 p.m., claiming the lives of seven children, 17 adult males, and 18 adult females among the passengers, who were reportedly traveling from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape to Harare in Zimbabwe. This marks one of the deadliest road mishaps in the province this year, prompting an immediate highway closure and diversions for motorists.
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The bus, carrying cross-border travelers, veered off the roadway and rolled over in circumstances yet to be determined, scattering wreckage across the busy northbound lane and exacerbating traffic chaos in the region. Emergency responders, including paramedics and local authorities, worked through the night to extricate victims and secure the area, but the remote location near the lodge complicated access. Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, was en route to the scene to oversee the response, underscoring the provincial government’s commitment to supporting affected families and coordinating recovery efforts.
As the investigation gets underway, RTMC officials emphasized the need for a thorough forensic analysis to pinpoint factors such as driver error, vehicle condition, or road hazards that may have contributed to the crash. “Our team is on the ground to establish the exact cause and prevent future occurrences,” an RTMC spokesperson stated, while urging heightened vigilance on long-haul routes. The incident serves as a grim reminder of South Africa’s ongoing road safety challenges, with calls already mounting for enhanced regulations on interstate bus operations.
Frequently Asked Questions on Limpopo bus accident
What caused the bus crash near Ingwe Lodge?
The exact cause remains under investigation by RTMC experts, with preliminary indications pointing to the vehicle overturning, possibly due to loss of control.
How many people died in the Limpopo bus accident?
The crash resulted in 42 fatalities, including seven children, 17 adult males, and 18 adult females.
When and where did the incident occur?
It happened on October 12, 2025, around 6:00 p.m. on the N1 highway near Ingwe Lodge in Limpopo.
What is the status of the N1 highway after the crash?
The road has been closed following the accident, with authorities advising alternative routes for travelers.
