A devastating bus accident occurred on a steep mountain pass in northern South Africa, resulting in the deaths of at least 42 people and injuring 49 others, according to authorities. The incident happened on Sunday evening, around 6 p.m., on the N1 highway near the town of Louis Trichardt, approximately 400 kilometers north of the capital, Pretoria.

The bus, which was traveling to Zimbabwe, was carrying nationals from Zimbabwe and Malawi who were returning to their home countries. The Transport Ministry reported that the victims included seven children, 17 men, and 18 women. Six people were critically injured, while 31 others suffered serious injuries and were taken to several hospitals. One critically injured child was airlifted to a hospital for further treatment.

Images released by authorities showed the bus lying upside down in the embankment, with rescuers working to search for victims. Rescue operations continued late into Sunday night, with the Limpopo provincial government overseeing the efforts. The cause of the crash is currently unknown and is being investigated.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi, expressing sadness over the loss of life. He noted that the incident occurred during the country’s annual transport month, which highlights the importance of road safety. This accident is not an isolated incident, as a similar bus crash occurred in the same Limpopo province last year, resulting in the deaths of 45 people.

The latest accident serves as a reminder of the need for increased road safety measures, particularly on hazardous routes such as the N1 highway. As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, authorities will likely review safety protocols and regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The international community is likely to follow the developments of this story, given the involvement of multiple countries and the significant loss of life.