Prelim report finds negligence and speeding behind Limpopo bus crash that killed 42 people

A preliminary investigation has found that negligence and excessive speeding were behind a fatal bus crash that claimed 43 lives in Limpopo.

The long-distance bus was travelling from the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe when it lost control and veered off the N1 highway in Makhado earlier this week.

The Transport Department has now released a preliminary report into the tragedy, following an investigation by the Road Traffic Management Authority.

The report concludes that the bus company should be held liable for the fatal crash, which it says could have been avoided.

Investigations have revealed that one of the main factors that contributed to the crash was the driver’s excessive speed on a steep and winding mountain pass.

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It was also discovered that only five of the bus’ ten brakes were functional, while the trailer’s braking system was completely defective.

According to the report, both the driver and the bus company were seemingly aware of the vehicle’s unroadworthy condition.

The department further believes the driver may have tried to adjust his driving to compensate for the faulty brakes.

The investigation also found that the bus was overloaded by 23 passengers.

The report recommends that government must strengthen vehicle inspection measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.