BLOEMFONTEIN – Grief-stricken families gathered at the Free State Forensic Pathology Services mortuary this week to identify the bodies of relatives who died in the devastating N1 bus crash that claimed the lives of 11 Zimbabwean nationals.

Scenes of profound sorrow unfolded as relatives identified their loved ones following the fatal accident, which occurred on Thursday, 30 July 2026, on the N1 between Trompsburg and Edenburg in the Free State.

According to preliminary reports, the bus was transporting 79 Zimbabwean nationals from Cape Town to Harare when it overturned. Ten passengers were declared dead at the scene, while a 47-year-old woman later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.

Among those who lost their lives were four women, two men and five children aged between six and 10 years, as well as a 15-year-old. Authorities said four of the victims – two women and two children – sustained injuries so severe that identification proved particularly difficult.

The emotional toll of the tragedy was evident as families came face to face with the loss of their loved ones. One of the most heartbreaking moments was that of a father mourning the deaths of his wife and three children.

Emergency services from the Free State Department of Health, together with public and private healthcare providers, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and traffic authorities, responded swiftly to the scene.

A total of 65 injured passengers were transported to medical facilities according to the severity of their injuries. Patients were admitted to Albert Nzula District Hospital, Pelonomi Hospital and Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein for treatment.

Speaking to the Consul-General of Zimbabwe to South Africa, Eria Phiri, and the bereaved families, Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae expressed her condolences.

“We meet under unfortunate circumstances,” she said. “This is a time of tragic loss and sorrow. We bow our heads and share in your grief. We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to all those who have lost their loved ones.”

The Premier also highlighted the longstanding relationship between South Africa and Zimbabwe and commended the coordinated response by emergency services and government departments.

“South Africa and Zimbabwe are sister countries with a rich history and deep cultural and intergovernmental ties. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding collaborative work undertaken by the various state agencies and stakeholders in responding to this tragedy,” she said.

Consul-General Phiri thanked the South African Government and emergency personnel for their assistance.

“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to the South African Government for the support provided to our citizens, particularly the exceptional work carried out under extremely difficult circumstances,” he said.

He added that the Zimbabwean Government appreciated the care given to the survivors and the professionalism demonstrated by the authorities throughout the response to the disaster.

The Department of Social Development will provide psychosocial support to the bereaved families, while the Zimbabwean Government will arrange for the survivors and the bodies of those who died to be repatriated to Zimbabwe. A memorial service will be held there in honour of the victims.

Also present during the engagement with the families were Free State MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi and MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula.