The Limpopo Provincial Government has launched a critical identification process following the deadly N1 Louis Trichardt bus crash, which claimed the lives of more than 40 people.
The tragedy unfolded on Sunday, October 12, when a bus carrying 91 passengers from the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe veered off the Zoutpansberg mountain near Louis Trichardt. 43 people lost their lives, 40 were treated at various medical facilities, and eight passengers self-discharged.
Provincial Government spokesperson Ndavhe Ramakuela confirmed that the identification process began on October 14, with 17 family members arriving at Tshilidzini Hospital to identify their loved ones. The process is set to continue on Wednesday, October 15, at the same hospital.
Authorities have called on families seeking information about missing loved ones to come forward at Tshilidzini Hospital.
“The victim identification team has taken photographs of all the deceased, and the provincial government is encouraging families who are searching for their loved ones to visit the hospital as part of family identification.”
Ramakuela added that the victim identification process will also involve collecting fingerprint records from all the bodies. Forensic pathology teams are expected to complete the post-mortem examinations by Wednesday, October 15, working closely with authorities from both countries.
“Working with authorities from both Zimbabwe and Malawi, the province hopes that they will be able to run fingerprint comparisons on their side since some of the deceased do not even have identification documents,” he said.
Ramakuela further explained that the process remains tedious to ensure all remains are returned to the correct families. Only then will the government be able to repatriate them, allowing families to find final closure.
To date, 19 patients have been discharged from Siloam, Louis Trichardt Memorial, and Elim hospitals, returning home to reunite with their families in Zimbabwe and Malawi.
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Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said the government is satisfied with the work of its teams and remains focused on supporting the recovery of those injured during this difficult time for families.
“We are satisfied with the work done thus far by our teams. This is a difficult period, especially for the families; hence, as the provincial government, our focus is to assist those injured to recover and for the positive identification of the deceased for their families to find closure.
“Investigations into the cause of the accident will take time as we analyse why the bus travelled such a long distance with so many passengers.”
Ramathuba also expressed gratitude to Members of the Executive Council for their efforts in responding to the tragic accident since it occurred on Sunday.
Thilivhali Muavha, Ramathuba spokesperson, said ongoing investigations by SAPS will focus on culpable homicide, while the Road Traffic Management Corporation will complete a technical report to determine the cause of the accident.
Muavha said that the Department of Transport has begun engaging with Zimbabwean authorities to ensure cross-border transport compliance.
The Star
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