Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and her Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa said on Monday the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and local law enforcement authorities are conducting a full scene reconstruction and mechanical investigation of the vehicle that was involved in a fatal road crash in Limpopo.

On Sunday seven children,17 adult males and 18 adult females lost their lives, while six passengers are critically injured, 31 seriously injured and 12 slightly injured occupants, in a devastating road accident that occurred on the N1 North near Ingwe Lodge, in Limpopo.

The crash involved a bus that was travelling from Johannesburg to Zimbabwe, which overturned and went down on an embankment.

The cause of the crash is unknown at this stage, said national spokesperson Collen Msibi.

Both the Minister and her deputy announced the imminent completion of a preliminary report, emphasising that the current review of the National Road Safety Strategy will strengthen efforts in promoting road safety in the scholar transport and public transport system.

The injured persons were transported to Louis Trichardt, Siloam and Elim hospitals. One critically injured child was air lifted to Tshilidzini Hospital.

Creecy will on Monday visit the crash scene and those in hospitals.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed condolences to Zimbabwe and Malawi, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

He said the incident was a tragedy for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

“This sadness is compounded by the fact that this incident has taken place during our annual Transport Month, where we place a special focus on the importance of safety on our roads.

“Our roads are also economic networks that bring the people of our region together across our national borders,” he said.

Ramaphosa called for safety and responsibility on the roads.

“We must do everything we can as road users, as transport operators, drivers and passengers to ensure that we stay safe and that we share our roads responsibly and with care for one another,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance in Limpopo said the accident highlighted the need for increased road safety, visibility and efficacy of traffic law enforcement on the roads over the upcoming holiday season.