Makhado: Speeding has been identified as a significant factor in the tragic bus crash in Limpopo, Makhado, which resulted in the deaths of 43 individuals, the Department of Transport announced on Friday. The bus driver was reportedly driving at a speed unsuitable for the mountain pass conditions at the time of the accident.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) investigation revealed that the bus and its trailer had only five functioning brakes out of ten, with one brake on the bus completely non-functional. The trailer’s brakes were found to be entirely inoperative, and the suspension was poorly repaired. Consequently, the bus and trailer had only half of their intended braking capacity, rendering them unroadworthy.

The investigation also noted that the bus was overloaded, carrying 91 occupants despite having a capacity for only 62. Among the passengers were 11 children aged three to five, and considering Regulation 231 of the National Road Traffic Regulation 2000, the vehicle was overloaded by 23 persons. The trailer was also loaded with baggage and personal belongings.

While 43 people lost their lives, 34 sustained serious injuries, and six others had minor injuries. The road conditions along the N1, both before and after the crash site, were found to be in good condition and not a contributing factor to the accident.

The preliminary report recommends increased law enforcement to ensure vehicle roadworthiness on South African roads, particularly for foreign-registered vehicles like the bus involved in the crash. The RTMC is urged to focus on heavy vehicles that ignore speed warnings and fail to slow down on downhill roads. The investigation continues, with a final report expected in 21 weeks, examining issues such as overloading at weigh bridges.

In response, the Minister of Transport, Barbara, has instructed the RTMC to investigate the bus company’s role in maintaining vehicle roadworthiness and consider a culpable homicide charge against them. She has also called for a review of the maintenance records for the bus and an investigation into the roadworthy certificate’s issuance.

The RTMC has been directed to work with provincial law enforcement to enforce roadworthy inspections for the DNC Coach Fleet entering South Africa. The ongoing investigation aims to prevent future tragedies by ensuring stricter compliance with road safety regulations.