According to Arrive Alive, the crash occurred in Musina when a bus traveling from Johannesburg to Zimbabwe collided with a broken-down bakkie that was parked on the road without warning lights or a breakdown triangle. The impact forced the bus to veer into the oncoming lane, where it crashed into the trailer of a truck that had narrowly avoided a head-on collision.
The right side of the bus sustained severe damage, with passengers seated on that side bearing the brunt of the impact. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) confirmed multiple fatalities at the scene, though the exact number has yet to be officially released.
Chaos and Delays on the N1
The scene was described as “horrific,” noting that the collision occurred around 3:00 AM. The crash involved the bus, the bakkie—reportedly carrying a trailer loaded with fruits and vegetables—and the truck’s trailer, creating a complex recovery operation.
Authorities have warned motorists to expect significant delays, with partial road closures and possible diversions onto gravel shoulders to allow for cleanup and investigations. Burn advised travelers to delay their journeys if possible, as the scene is expected to remain active until late morning.
Ongoing Investigation
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but initial reports highlight the dangers of vehicles breaking down without proper visibility measures. Authorities are urging drivers to ensure their vehicles are equipped with warning triangles and hazard lights to prevent similar tragedies.
As recovery efforts continue, the identities of the deceased have not yet been released. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and emergency responders remain on-site, with updates expected later in the day.
This is a developing story.