A devastating bus crash on the R33 between eMkhondo and Amsterdam in Mpumalanga has claimed five lives and left dozens more injured on Monday afternoon, 1 December 2025. The tragic incident occurred during wet and slippery weather conditions, which authorities believe may have played a major role in the driver losing control of the vehicle.
According to emergency responders, the bus overturned after the driver allegedly struggled to maintain control on the rain-soaked road. The violent rollover resulted in immediate fatalities and widespread injuries among the passengers. Paramedic teams, supported by multiple ambulance services, arrived swiftly to transport the injured to medical facilities in Mkhondo.
Authorities confirmed that six passengers sustained serious injuries, while 20 others suffered minor injuries. The driver also survived the crash but was injured and taken to hospital for urgent medical care together with other survivors.
Following the crash, rumours circulated that the bus had been dangerously overloaded, with some claims suggesting more than 80 passengers were on board. However, officials dismissed these allegations, clarifying that the bus departed from Johannesburg with a manifest of 65 registered passengers. Several passengers disembarked at earlier stops, leaving only 31 occupants, including the driver, at the time of the accident.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, although initial assessments point to the hazardous weather conditions. Authorities caution that wet roads, reduced visibility, and increased stopping distances can easily turn fatal when drivers fail to adjust their speed and attentiveness.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, expressed deep concern over the rising number of serious road accidents as the festive season approaches. He urged motorists, especially long-distance drivers, to remain vigilant and prioritise safety on the roads.
“Every driver must prioritise 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,” Macie said.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the families mourning the loss of loved ones and wished the injured passengers a full and speedy recovery.
Transport authorities warn that the combination of fatigue, speeding, and dangerous weather conditions is a deadly mix, especially as holiday traffic intensifies across South Africa. They advise motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, reduce speed in wet conditions, and remain attentive at all times.
This latest tragedy serves as another painful reminder of the risks that South African road users face daily. With thousands of travellers expected to hit the roads in the coming weeks, safety officials are pleading with the public to adopt responsible driving habits. Their message is clear: stay focused, respect the road, and take every precaution to make it home safely.
The R33 bus crash adds to a string of recent fatal incidents, underscoring the urgent need for caution as the festive season reaches its peak.
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