Bus driver killed as repatriation bus overturns near Beitbridge
· The South African
A bus driver has died and at least 11 passengers have been injured after a repatriation bus overturned on the N1 near the Beitbridge Border Post in Limpopo.
Visit betsport.cv for more information.
The bus was travelling from KwaZulu-Natal to a repatriation camp in Musina when the crash occurred about four kilometres south of the Beitbridge Border Post.
According to the Limpopo Department of Transport, the bus was transporting undocumented Malawian immigrants to the repatriation centre in Musina.
Bus driver dies after allegedly losing control
Limpopo Department of Transport spokesperson Mashudu Mabata said preliminary information indicates that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn.
“It is alleged that the driver lost control of the bus due to fatigue,” Mabata said.
Authorities confirmed that the driver died at the scene.
“The driver has been confirmed deceased, while 11 passengers sustained injuries. The injured were transported to Musina Hospital for medical treatment,” Mabata added.
Emergency services responded to the scene and rushed the injured passengers to hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Bus crash causes delays on N1
Traffic continued to flow on the N1 following the crash, although authorities warned motorists to expect delays while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene.
Mabata said temporary road closures could be introduced if necessary to allow officials to safely clear the area and complete their investigation.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Preliminary reports suggest driver fatigue may have contributed to the incident, although officials are still working to establish the exact cause.
Repatriation programme intensifies
The incident comes amid an intensified repatriation drive targeting undocumented migrants in South Africa.
Following recent protests against illegal immigration, authorities have repatriated thousands of Malawian nationals by bus.
The buses transport migrants from different provinces to the repatriation centre in Musina, where they are processed before being returned to Malawi.