Bus Accident in South Africa’s Mountainous Area Claims at Least 42 Lives.

A tragic bus accident on Sunday evening, October 12, 2025, in northern South Africa led to the deaths of at least 42 people, with 49 others injured. The bus, carrying passengers from Zimbabwe and Malawi, veered off the N1 highway near Louis Trichardt and plunged down a steep embankment. Among the deceased were seven children, 17 men, and 18 women. Six victims suffered critical injuries, while 31 others were seriously wounded; a critically injured child was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

Rescue operations persisted late into the night as emergency services worked to reach and assist the victims. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended condolences to the affected nations, highlighting the tragedy’s occurrence during the country’s Transport Month, a period dedicated to promoting road safety. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash.

This incident mirrors a similar tragedy from the previous year in Limpopo province, where a bus crash claimed the lives of 45 individuals, primarily Botswana nationals, underscoring the ongoing issues related to road safety in the region.