Limpopo: At least 42 people lost their lives and dozens more were injured after a bus plunged down an embankment along a mountainous stretch of the N1 highway near the town of Louis Trichardt in South Africa’s Limpopo province on Sunday evening.

Authorities said the bus, which was carrying passengers from the Eastern Cape to neighboring countries, veered off the road around 6 p.m. local time. The vehicle rolled down a steep slope before coming to rest in a ravine, leaving a scene of devastation and chaos.

Rescue teams worked late into the night to retrieve bodies and assist the injured. According to emergency officials, 49 people were taken to nearby hospitals, including six who remain in critical condition. Among the dead were seven children, 17 men, and 18 women. One child was airlifted to a regional hospital for urgent treatment.

Preliminary reports suggest that the bus was carrying a mix of Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals traveling home for family visits. Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the vehicle to lose control, with possibilities ranging from driver fatigue and speeding to mechanical failure.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences to the families of the victims. He also urged transport operators to prioritize safety, noting that the accident occurred during South Africa’s Transport Safety Awareness Month.

The Limpopo region has a history of deadly road accidents due to its rugged terrain and winding mountain routes. In March 2024, a similar crash in the province claimed 45 lives when a bus plunged off a bridge into a ravine.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into Sunday’s crash to determine accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future. Emergency services have urged motorists to remain cautious when traveling through mountainous areas, especially during the rainy season when road conditions can deteriorate rapidly.

The identities of the victims are still being confirmed as families and embassies work with local authorities to repatriate the remains of foreign nationals.