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Boxes of ARVs, prescription drugs found in deadly Limpopo bus crash?
3 hrs ago |
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Authorities in South Africa have launched a full-scale investigation after boxes of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and other prescription medications were discovered among the wreckage of a cross-border bus that crashed on the N1 near Makhado, killing at least 42 people.
The long-distance bus, which was traveling from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape to Harare, Zimbabwe, veered off the road and overturned late Tuesday night, leaving bodies scattered across the crash site and dozens injured. Emergency teams described the scene as "horrific," with rescue operations lasting through the night.
Emergency responders and police found a box containing ARVs and other medical supplies in the bus.
"This is highly irregular," said a senior official involved in the recovery operation. "There was no documentation for the medical cargo, and it's unclear whether the transport of these drugs was legal or who the intended recipient was."
Authorities are now treating the crash site as both an accident scene and a potential site of pharmaceutical smuggling. ARVs, used to manage HIV, are tightly regulated and are often subject to trafficking due to their high value and demand in the region.
The presence of the medication has added a complex twist to the investigation, which is still trying to determine what caused the crash. Early reports suggest the driver may have lost control of the bus on a bend, but officials have not ruled out mechanical failure or driver fatigue.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba is expected to visit the crash site and meet with the multidisciplinary response team. Speaking briefly on Wednesday morning, she expressed concern about both the loss of life and the possible illegal transport of medical goods.
"This is not just a tragic accident - it now involves deeper issues of public health and criminal conduct," Ramathuba said. "We are treating this with the seriousness it deserves."
Most of the passengers were believed to be Zimbabwean nationals making the long journey home. Names of the deceased have not yet been released, pending identification and consular notification. Survivors are receiving treatment at hospitals in Makhado and Polokwane, some with life-threatening injuries.
Meanwhile, transport authorities have reiterated concerns over the growing number of long-distance buses operating with limited oversight. The crash has reignited calls for stricter inspections and better enforcement of passenger safety regulations, especially on international routes.
Emergency responders and police found a box containing ARVs and other medical supplies in the bus.
"This is highly irregular," said a senior official involved in the recovery operation. "There was no documentation for the medical cargo, and it's unclear whether the transport of these drugs was legal or who the intended recipient was."
Authorities are now treating the crash site as both an accident scene and a potential site of pharmaceutical smuggling. ARVs, used to manage HIV, are tightly regulated and are often subject to trafficking due to their high value and demand in the region.
The presence of the medication has added a complex twist to the investigation, which is still trying to determine what caused the crash. Early reports suggest the driver may have lost control of the bus on a bend, but officials have not ruled out mechanical failure or driver fatigue.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba was expected to visit the crash site and meet with the multidisciplinary response team. She expressed concern about both the loss of life and the possible illegal transport of medical goods.
"This is not just a tragic accident - it now involves deeper issues of public health and criminal conduct," Ramathuba said. "We are treating this with the seriousness it deserves."
Most of the passengers were believed to be Zimbabwean nationals making the long journey home. Names of the deceased have not yet been released, pending identification and consular notification. Survivors are receiving treatment at hospitals in Makhado and Polokwane, some with life-threatening injuries.
Meanwhile, transport authorities have reiterated concerns over the growing number of long-distance buses operating with limited oversight. The crash has reignited calls for stricter inspections and better enforcement of passenger safety regulations, especially on international routes.
The long-distance bus, which was traveling from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape to Harare, Zimbabwe, veered off the road and overturned late Tuesday night, leaving bodies scattered across the crash site and dozens injured. Emergency teams described the scene as "horrific," with rescue operations lasting through the night.
Emergency responders and police found a box containing ARVs and other medical supplies in the bus.
"This is highly irregular," said a senior official involved in the recovery operation. "There was no documentation for the medical cargo, and it's unclear whether the transport of these drugs was legal or who the intended recipient was."
Authorities are now treating the crash site as both an accident scene and a potential site of pharmaceutical smuggling. ARVs, used to manage HIV, are tightly regulated and are often subject to trafficking due to their high value and demand in the region.
The presence of the medication has added a complex twist to the investigation, which is still trying to determine what caused the crash. Early reports suggest the driver may have lost control of the bus on a bend, but officials have not ruled out mechanical failure or driver fatigue.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba is expected to visit the crash site and meet with the multidisciplinary response team. Speaking briefly on Wednesday morning, she expressed concern about both the loss of life and the possible illegal transport of medical goods.
"This is not just a tragic accident - it now involves deeper issues of public health and criminal conduct," Ramathuba said. "We are treating this with the seriousness it deserves."
Most of the passengers were believed to be Zimbabwean nationals making the long journey home. Names of the deceased have not yet been released, pending identification and consular notification. Survivors are receiving treatment at hospitals in Makhado and Polokwane, some with life-threatening injuries.
Emergency responders and police found a box containing ARVs and other medical supplies in the bus.
"This is highly irregular," said a senior official involved in the recovery operation. "There was no documentation for the medical cargo, and it's unclear whether the transport of these drugs was legal or who the intended recipient was."
Authorities are now treating the crash site as both an accident scene and a potential site of pharmaceutical smuggling. ARVs, used to manage HIV, are tightly regulated and are often subject to trafficking due to their high value and demand in the region.
The presence of the medication has added a complex twist to the investigation, which is still trying to determine what caused the crash. Early reports suggest the driver may have lost control of the bus on a bend, but officials have not ruled out mechanical failure or driver fatigue.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba was expected to visit the crash site and meet with the multidisciplinary response team. She expressed concern about both the loss of life and the possible illegal transport of medical goods.
"This is not just a tragic accident - it now involves deeper issues of public health and criminal conduct," Ramathuba said. "We are treating this with the seriousness it deserves."
Most of the passengers were believed to be Zimbabwean nationals making the long journey home. Names of the deceased have not yet been released, pending identification and consular notification. Survivors are receiving treatment at hospitals in Makhado and Polokwane, some with life-threatening injuries.
Meanwhile, transport authorities have reiterated concerns over the growing number of long-distance buses operating with limited oversight. The crash has reignited calls for stricter inspections and better enforcement of passenger safety regulations, especially on international routes.
Source - IOL
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