Two killed in Christmas Day head-on crash involving bus on Limpopo’s N1

Two people were killed on Christmas Day in a head-on collision involving a passenger bus and a light motor vehicle on the N1 North near Masekwa Brick, outside Louis Trichardt, in Limpopo, authorities said.

According to Arrive Alive, the crash occurred when the bus and a sedan collided head-on, resulting in multiple casualties at the scene. 

Two people were confirmed dead, including occupants of the car, while several passengers from the bus were injured.

“Additional trapped patients have been extricated,” Arrive Alive said in a statement. 

The district EMS manager, along with several paramedic teams from Polokwane and surrounding areas, responded to the scene.

Extrication operations have since been completed, and injured patients were transported to hospital for further treatment. 

It said fire services assisted with scene management.

The N1 remained closed in both directions for crash investigation and clean-up, with significant traffic delays reported. 

Motorists were advised to use alternative routes or delay travel. An investigation into the cause of the crash is under way.

On Wednesday, December 24, six people were killed in a crash on the R518 between Mokopane and Marken in the Mogalakwena municipality, in the Waterberg district.

Five people were declared dead at the scene. 

Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala later confirmed the death toll rose to six after emergency teams recovered another body from a nearby river.

“The body was found in the river while the scene was being cleared. Apparently, the vehicle fell into the river after hitting the bridge and had to be extricated,” Taueatsoala said.

Preliminary reports indicate that a light delivery vehicle lost control, crashed into a bridge on the Marken–Mosesetjane road and plunged into the river.

Seven passengers were injured in the crash, two of them critically, and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

IOL News