Heartbreak filled the Free State Government Mortuary in Bloemfontein on Thursday as grieving families began the painful process of identifying loved ones killed in last week’s devastating N1 bus crash.
The identification process was attended by Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula, and Zimbabwe’s Consul-General, Eria Phiri, who offered support and condolences to the bereaved families.
The victims died when a long-distance bus travelling from Cape Town to Zimbabwe overturned on the N1 between Trompsburg and Edenburg in the early hours of Friday, 31 July.
Addressing grieving relatives, Letsoha-Mathae acknowledged that no words could ease the pain of losing loved ones.
“Today, we are here to pass our condolences. We are here to say we are sorry and that we are with you in our prayers. We know words alone cannot comfort you, nor can they explain your profound loss,” she said. The Premier also urged long-distance passengers to ensure their details are recorded before travelling, saying passenger registers are critical in helping authorities identify victims and notify next of kin during emergencies.
“If you travel by taxi or bus, ensure your details are captured in the passenger register. It greatly assists authorities in contacting families when tragedies like this occur,” she said.
According to Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, the bus was carrying approximately 78 people, including the driver, when it allegedly lost control and overturned.
Ten passengers were declared dead at the scene. The victims included four adult women, one adult man, three girls and two boys.
Kareli said 57 passengers sustained injuries and were transported to Albert Nzula District Hospital in Trompsburg, while nine critically injured passengers were transferred to Pelonomi and Universitas hospitals in Bloemfontein for specialised treatment.
He confirmed that the bus driver had been taken in for questioning as part of the investigation.
“A case of culpable homicide has been opened and investigations are continuing,” Kareli said.
Mbalula said improving road safety remained a priority for both national and provincial governments, with regular engagements taking place to reduce fatalities on South Africa’s roads.
“In our MinMec meetings we continuously assess how to make our roads safer for everyone. Unfortunately, no one can predict when an accident will occur, but we extend our deepest condolences to all the affected families,” he said.
He also wished the injured a speedy recovery and urged transport operators and motorists to remain vigilant and strictly comply with road safety regulations, particularly on long-distance routes.
As investigations continue, authorities are working closely with affected families to complete the identification process and ensure the victims are laid to rest with dignity.
