PRETORIA, South Africa – South Africa’s transport ministry says a combination of brake failure, speeding and overloading caused the horror crash in Limpopo that claimed 43 lives and injured dozens more on October 12.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and her deputy Mkhuleko Hlengwa on Friday received the preliminary findings of an investigation by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) into the tragedy, which involved a bus travelling from Gqeberha in South Africa’s Eastern Cape to Harare.
The Zimbabwe-registered DNC Coaches bus had passengers from Zimbabwe, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The report found that the bus and trailer had only five of ten brakes working, with one brake completely non-functional and the trailer’s suspension poorly repaired. None of the trailer’s four brakes were operational.
Investigators said the driver was aware of the mechanical defects and had adjusted his driving to compensate, but still went “too fast for the conditions” while descending a mountain pass.
The bus was also overloaded, carrying 91 passengers despite a seating capacity of 62, and a trailer filled with luggage. Eleven of those on board were children aged between three and five.
The RTMC said 43 people died, 34 were seriously injured, and six sustained minor injuries. Eight others refused treatment and left the crash scene before their details could be recorded.
Weather and road conditions were ruled out as contributing factors.
The ministry said the RTMC will complete a final technical reconstruction report within 21 weeks, which will include checks on weighbridges and the roadworthy certification process.
Minister Creecy has also directed that the bus operator’s responsibility for maintenance and safety be investigated.
A culpable homicide complaint will also be considered against the company.
Authorities will also trace the testing centre that issued the bus’s roadworthy certificate.
Creecy wants law enforcement to step up border checks and roadworthy inspections on all DNC Coach vehicles entering South Africa.
The RTMC’s national and provincial traffic police have been told to focus enforcement on heavy vehicles ignoring warning signs, particularly on downhill sections.
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