Central SA
Three killed, scores injured in N1 bus accident near Edenburg─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 08:55 Mon, 22 Dec 2025
Three people have died, and several others were left injured following a bus accident on the N1, approximately 20 kilometres past Edenburg towards Bloemfontein, in the early hours of Monday morning (22/12).
According to reports, a bus with a trailer overturned at around 01:50. It is understood that the bus was carrying about 70 passengers at the time of the crash. Multiple emergency services were dispatched to the scene to assist the injured and secure the area.
Three passengers, one male and two females, all believed to be over the age of 30, were declared dead at the scene. Their bodies were transported to the government mortuary in Bloemfontein, said Free State Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Sidney Dywili.
A bus carrying a trailer overturned approximately 20 kilometres past Edenburg, towards Bloemfontein. Photo supplied
Hospitals across the Mangaung Metro and surrounding areas received a large number of injured passengers. A total of 29 patients were taken to the National Hospital, including 24 adults and five paediatric patients.
Another 31 patients were transported to Albert Nzula District Hospital, while nine were taken to Pelonomi Trauma Unit and two to Botshabelo District Hospital. The extent of the injuries has not yet been fully disclosed.
Motorists travelling between Edenburg and Bloemfontein have been urged to exercise caution and to expect possible delays while authorities continue with investigations and road-clearing operations. The crash adds to a growing list of serious accidents reported on major Free State routes in recent weeks, raising renewed concerns about road safety.
One of the most severe recent incidents involved a bus transporting workers that collided with a truck on the N8 near the RRR farming area between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo. Officials described that crash as one of the worst in recent memory, leaving many families devastated.
Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Mbalula, emphasised the shared responsibility between road users and law enforcement to prevent such tragedies. He highlighted that Free State roads serve as vital corridors linking six provinces and a neighbouring country, making road safety especially critical during the busy festive travel period.
Authorities have once again appealed to drivers to remain vigilant, obey traffic laws, and prioritise safety to help reduce the number of crashes on the province’s roads.
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