Munenzwa bus crash kills 12 in South Africa

Twelve people, including children, were killed and 66 others injured when a Zimbabwe-bound Munenzva Bus travelling from Cape Town to Johannesburg overturned on the N1 near Trompsburg in South Africa's Free State Province on Thursday night.

The fatal crash was confirmed by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on Friday morning.

RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said the bus overturned while travelling along the N1, triggering a major emergency response.

"Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, where 66 passengers also sustained injuries and were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment," Zwane said.

He said the RTMC's crash investigation team had been deployed to establish the cause of the accident.

"Preliminary investigations are underway, and no conclusions will be drawn until all evidence has been examined."

Zwane conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

"The RTMC extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured."

He urged motorists travelling through the area to exercise caution and comply with instructions from law enforcement officers managing the scene.

The Free State Department of Health had earlier reported that the bus overturned shortly after 9:30pm on the N1, approximately 24 kilometres north of Trompsburg towards Edenburg.

Department spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said the bus came to rest across the highway, obstructing traffic, while emergency personnel worked to rescue passengers.

He said emergency medical teams initially found 14 injured people outside the bus, while several children had become trapped underneath the overturned vehicle.

Early reports indicated 11 fatalities, comprising five children and six adults, before the death toll later rose to 12.

"Emergency services have been activated and are on scene. Law enforcement is on scene and managing the incident," Mvambi said.

He added that triage and extrication operations continued into the night as rescue teams worked to free trapped passengers and assist the injured.

Authorities urged motorists travelling on the N1 between Trompsburg and Edenburg to reduce speed, expect significant delays and use alternative routes where possible.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing, with officials expected to release further information once all the evidence has been assessed.