Limpopo, South Africa – A horrifying collision between a bus and a truck on the D2692 Venetia Road in the Vhembe area of Limpopo province has left the nation in mourning. The tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday, September 17, 2023, has claimed the lives of twenty-two people and left four others with varying degrees of injuries. This devastating event has prompted a swift response from Transport Minister, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, who expressed deep sorrow and called for heightened road safety awareness.
The collision involved a bus carrying mine workers from the Venetia Mine and a truck on the R572 road towards Musina. The collision was so severe that both vehicles caught fire, making rescue efforts extremely challenging. At this time, the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, with dedicated teams from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the South African Police Service, and provincial investigators working diligently at the scene.
Minister Chikunga, visibly shaken by the tragedy, conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims who lost their lives and those who were injured. She stated, “Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased during this very difficult time of great grief and sorrow. We extend our sincere wishes for a speedy recovery to all the individuals who sustained injuries in the crash and wish them a speedy recovery and return to good health.”
She further added, “We don’t have words enough to express our shock and sadness at this horrific incident. The loss of so many lives and injuries among the working class leaves a permanent telling blow on the socio-economic well-being of the country, and families and loved ones lose breadwinners and are torn apart when such tragedy strikes.”
Minister Chikunga has also highlighted the importance of vigilance and alertness among all road users to prevent such tragic occurrences. She stated, “One life lost on our roads remains one too many.”
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), an entity of the Department of Transport, has been entrusted with conducting a thorough investigation to establish the root cause of the crash and provide a preliminary report. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for stringent safety measures and adherence to traffic laws.
In conclusion, Minister Chikunga has called upon all road users to exercise caution, adhere to traffic laws, and prioritize safety while traveling. The nation grieves for the lives lost in this horrific collision, and the minister’s call for increased road safety vigilance resonates deeply with all South Africans, reminding us of the collective responsibility we share to prevent such tragedies in the future.
