A Rainy Monday Turns Fatal on the R33

What began as an ordinary long-distance trip from Johannesburg ended in devastation on Monday morning when a Greyhound bus overturned on the R33 between eMkhondo and Amsterdam in Mpumalanga. Five passengers died on the scene, marking yet another dark moment on one of the province’s busiest and most treacherous routes.

The crash, which happened amid wet and slippery conditions, left families shattered and reignited concerns about road safety as the festive season approaches.

🚨 A bus overturned on the R33 between eMkhondo & Amsterdam in #Mpumalanga, leaving 5 dead and 26 injured.

Authorities suspect wet road conditions played a role.

Emergency teams are investigating.#uyajola99 Zoleka #Mabhiza pic.twitter.com/tuzk7DhLk2

Africa Affair Journal (@AffairAfrica) December 2, 2025

What Authorities Know So Far

According to the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, the driver appeared to have lost control of the bus before it overturned. While investigators are still combing through the evidence, spokesperson Moeti Mmusi confirmed that the rainy weather likely played a role.

“We are still piecing together what happened, but the rainy weather at the time is suspected to have played a role,” Mmusi said.

The crash left:

• 5 dead

• 6 seriously injured

• 20 with minor injuries

The driver was among those hurt and was rushed to a hospital in eMkhondo along with the other injured passengers.

Setting the Record Straight: No, the Bus Wasn’t Overcrowded

In the hours after the tragedy, early reports on social media claimed the bus was carrying more than 80 passengersan allegation that sparked immediate anger and speculation online.

However, Mmusi clarified that the rumour was incorrect.

A passenger manifest showed 65 people departed Johannesburg, but several disembarked before the crash. By the time the bus overturned, only 31 people, including the driver, were on board.

This correction has done little to ease public concern but has helped counter misinformation circulating across Facebook and WhatsApp groups.

Bus Crash Kills Four People :

A bus travelling along R33 road between Mkhonto and Amsterdam in Mpumalanga lost control before crashing on Monday the 1st of December 2025.The bus with 80 passengers fatal crash killing four of its passengers and left others injured.Motorist… pic.twitter.com/hrd9CB1tdO

The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) December 1, 2025

A Community Already Anxious About Road Safety

Locals in eMkhondo and Amsterdam say the R33 stretch is notorious, especially during periods of heavy rain. Tight bends, uneven surfaces, and poor visibility make it unforgivingmore so for large, heavy long-distance buses.

Many residents took to social media to express frustration, noting recent accidents on the same route. Comments ranged from condolences to pleas for better road maintenance and stricter monitoring of long-distance operators.

One user wrote: “Every rainy season we lose people on that road. Something must change.”

Five passengers lost their lives on R33 Road between eMkhondo and Amsterdam in Mpumalanga late in the afternoon on Monday. It is alleged that the driver of the bus seem to have lost control leading to the bus overturning. Six passengers were pic.twitter.com/aMcANxQ8Cx

Lokuhle FM (@LokuhleFM) December 2, 2025

MEC Urges Drivers to Slow Down, Rest and Stay Alert

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, called for heightened caution, especially from long-distance drivers travelling during unpredictable weather patterns.

“Every driver must prioritize their own safety and that of other road users. Let us save lives by being highly alert and obeying the rules. Long-distance drivers must rest sufficiently along the way,” Macie said.

He extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a full recovery.

A Season of More Traffic and More Risk

With the festive season starting and thousands preparing to travel to and from Mpumalanga, this crash serves as a painful reminder of how quickly journeys can turn deadly.

The combination of:

• wet summer weather,

• fatigued holiday traffic,

• and long-distance travel

creates dangerous road conditions each December.

Authorities say investigations will continue, but for now, families in Mpumalanga and beyond are left mourning loved ones who never finished their trip.

As one community member put it:
“We pray this is the last tragedy of the season, but we fear it won’t be.”

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com