The N1 near Ingwe Lodge is closed after a bus carrying passengers lost control and fell into a ditch early on Thursday morning, 19 February. Emergency services are at the scene and the cause of the crash is not yet known.

Authorities have not confirmed how many people were on the bus or whether all were travelling to Zimbabwe. The vehicle remains in the ditch, making it difficult to determine the exact number of passengers. Violet Mathye, Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, is expected to arrive at the scene to assess the situation and provide support.

Tshifhiwa Dali, the MEC’s media liaison, said the crash caused multiple fatalities and injuries. “At this stage, the exact cause of the accident is unknown. A competent authority will confirm the number of deaths and injuries in due course. The bus is still in the ditch, making it hard to establish how many people were on board,” Dali said.

Motorists are advised to use the R523 Nzhelele route until the N1 reopens. Drivers from Makhado (Witvlag) should turn right onto the R523, from Musina turn left at Willysport, and from Siloam turn right onto the R523. This section of the N1 has previously been the site of serious bus accidents. Authorities are working to clear the scene. Further updates will be released as more information becomes available.