At least 4 dead after Zimbabwe‑bound bus plunges off cliff

Several people have reportedly died after a bus travelling from Gauteng to Zimbabwe veered off the N1 and plunged into a ditch near Ingwe Lodge outside Makhado on Thursday morning. The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety confirmed that the N1-29 has been completely closed in both directions following the crash. Emergency services are on site, and rescue and recovery operations are ongoing. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of fatalities or injuries, as the vehicle remains in the ditch, complicating efforts to determine how many passengers were on board.

The cause of the crash is currently unknown and will be investigated. Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye is expected to visit the scene on Thursday morning. The incident raises renewed concerns about long-distance bus safety on South Africa's highways. In October 2025, a DNC bus crash on the N1 near Louis Trichardt killed 43 people and injured dozens more, with investigations citing an unroadworthy, overloaded vehicle travelling at unsafe speeds as contributing factors.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes via the R523 Nzhelele Road. From Makhado (Witvlag), drivers should turn right onto the R523; from Musina, left at Willysport; and from Siloam, right onto the R523. The department said further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.