20 Dead in Horror Limpopo Truck-Bus Smash
A deadly crash in South Africa’s Limpopo province has claimed 20 lives after a truck and a bus carrying mine workers collided head-on. The tragedy struck on Sunday, leaving four others injured, officials confirm.
Mine Workers Among Fatalities
Seventeen of the dead were employees of construction giant Murray & Roberts Cementation. They were en route to the Venetia diamond mine near the Zimbabwe border. The identities of the other three victims are still unknown.
The company promised full support to bereaved families amid this devastating loss.
Venetia Mine: A Crucial Hub
The workers were heading underground at Venetia, one of South Africa’s biggest diamond mines owned by De Beers. The mine produces over 40% of the country’s diamonds and employs more than 4,300 staff, including many locals.
Road Safety Woes Under Investigation
Despite South Africa’s modern road network, the country battles horrific road safety records. Authorities are probing what caused this fatal crash, with traffic officials still working at the scene.
Provincial Transport Minister Florence Radzilani visited the site and slammed the poor state of some trucks on these roads. She warned that unroadworthy vehicles risk innocent lives.
“We must ensure all vehicles are fit for the road to prevent more tragedies,” Radzilani said.
She also revealed many truck drivers avoid traffic enforcement areas due to expired permits or unsafe vehicles. Early investigations claim the truck driver lacked a licence and the vehicle was unroadworthy.
