Five passengers lost their lives on R33 Road between eMkhondo and Amsterdam on Monday afternoon (01 December 2025). The driver of the bus seemingly lost control leading to the bus overturning. Six passengers were seriously injured while 20 other occupants escaped with slight injuries. The driver is among the injured. The injured were transported to the nearby hospital in eMkhondo by various ambulance services that responded to the scene.
The crash is still under investigation. It is however suspected that prevailing wet conditions may have played a hand in the crash.
The bus passenger list had 65 names when it left Johannesburg. Other passengers went off at various stops along the way hence there were only 31 occupants including the driver at the time of the crash. The bus was not having over 80 passengers as it was earlier reported.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie is appealing to drivers to adjust their driving in line with the prevailing weather conditions.
"Every driver must prioritize their own safety and that of other road users. Let us save lives by being highly alert and obeying the rules of the road. Long distance drivers must rest sufficiently along the way," says Macie.
He is extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishing those who were injured a speedy recovery.
Issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.