By Patience Gondo
THE N1 highway north of Makhado remains closed following a fatal cross-border bus accident that occurred on Wednesday morning.
Spokesperson for the Limpopo Provincial Government Department of Transport and Community Safety Mashudu Mabata said the route is still shut to traffic as emergency services continue clearing the scene and conducting investigations.
Several Zimbabweans are feared dead after the bus reportedly plunged into a ditch along the highway.
Several passengers were also injured in the crash, which has once again highlighted safety concerns along the busy cross-border route.
The accident occurred along a notoriously dangerous stretch of the N1, characterised by sharp curves and mountainous terrain, making it a high-risk area for motorists, particularly long-distance and cross-border transport operators.
Wednesday’s crash comes nearly a year after another tragedy in the same area claimed 43 lives, including Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, raising renewed concerns about road safety and enforcement along the corridor.
Motorists have been urged to use alternative routes while authorities remain on site managing the situation.
Further details, including the exact number of casualties, are expected once investigations are complete.