By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
SEVENTEEN families have since begun the painful process of identifying their loved ones following Sunday’s fatal bus crash on the N1 near Makhado, Louis Trichardt, which claimed 43 lives.
The Limpopo Provincial Government confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the identification process is underway at Tshilidzini Hospital, where families have gathered since Monday to help authorities confirm the identities of the deceased.
According to provincial government spokesperson Ndavhe Ramakuela, the process will continue on Wednesday, 15 October, to allow more families to come forward.
“The victim identification team has taken photographs of all the deceased, and families searching for their loved ones are encouraged to visit the hospital as part of the family identification process,” read part of the statement
The tragic accident occurred on Sunday, 12 October, when a bus traveling from the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe veered off the Zoutpanesburg mountain near Makhado.
The bus was carrying 91 passengers, of whom 43 died, 40 were treated in various hospitals, and eight self-discharged.
Forensic teams have also begun collecting fingerprint samples from all the victims to assist in the identification process.
Authorities are working with Zimbabwean and Malawian officials to help confirm the identities of passengers who were not carrying identification documents.
“This process is tedious, but it is crucial to ensure that the remains are handed over to the correct families for proper repatriation and closure,” the statement read.
To date, 19 patients have been discharged from Siloam, Louis Trichardt Memorial, and Elim hospitals and have reconnected with their families in Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba said the provincial government remains focused on supporting affected families and assisting the injured.
“We are satisfied with the work done thus far by our teams. This is a difficult period, especially for the families. Our focus is to assist those injured to recover and ensure the positive identification of the deceased so their families can find closure,” the statement added.
Premier Ramathuba added that investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is probing possible culpable homicide, while the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will finalise a technical report on the crash.
The Department of Transport has also begun discussions with Zimbabwean authorities regarding cross-border transport compliance.
The Premier expressed her gratitude to Members of the Executive Council for their continued support and coordinated response since the tragedy occurred.