Bus carrying Easter worshipers plunges off bridge killing 45 people in South Africa

A tragic incident occurred in South Africa's Limpopo province on Thursday as a bus carrying worshipers to an Easter conference crashed, resulting in numerous fatalities. The crash claimed the lives of 45 individuals, leaving only an eight-year-old girl as the sole survivor, who was airlifted to a hospital with severe injuries, as reported by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

The passengers were identified as pilgrims traveling from Gaborone, the capital of neighboring Botswana, to attend an Easter conference at the Zion Christian Church in the town of Moria. The fatal crash took place in the Mamatlakala mountain pass between Mokopane and Marken, with reports indicating that the bus caught fire after veering through barriers and plummeting off a bridge. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident.

The province's transport department issued a statement explaining that initial reports suggested the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the bus falling onto a rocky surface approximately 50 meters below the bridge before igniting. Authorities are currently engaged in efforts to retrieve the bodies of the deceased passengers. This tragic incident adds to a series of recent road accidents in South Africa that have resulted in significant loss of life.

The local department reported that some of the bodies were severely burned, making identification difficult. Additionally, others were trapped in the wreckage, while some were found scattered across the crash site. Florence Radzilani, a member of the province's Executive Council for Transport and Community Safety, informed the media that only 12 bodies have been recovered from the scene thus far.

Describing the scene, Radzilani expressed the severity of the situation, stating that it was very distressing when she arrived at the crash site on Thursday. Her remarks underscore the grim reality of the tragedy and highlight the challenges faced by officials and rescue workers in retrieving the victims and managing the aftermath of the accident. The statement also emphasizes the urgent need for thorough investigation and assistance for the families affected by the devastating incident.

According to Radzilani, authorities have organized transportation for some relatives to visit the accident site on Friday, followed by a visit to the hospital to check on the lone survivor. She also mentioned that officials continued their efforts late into the night to recover bodies and resumed their work at the scene on Friday.

South African Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga announced that the government would facilitate the repatriation of the bodies to Botswana, as reported by the state broadcaster. This initiative aims to assist in ensuring that the deceased individuals are returned to their home country for proper funeral arrangements and burial. The coordinated efforts between local authorities and the government demonstrate a commitment to supporting the affected families during this tragic time.

My condolences to those who have lost

In a statement, Chikunga conveyed her sincere condolences to the families impacted by the devastating bus crash near Mamatlakala. She expressed solidarity with them during this challenging period and emphasized the importance of responsible driving, especially during the busy Easter weekend when more people are traveling on the roads.

Similarly, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his sympathies to the government of Botswana and to the families and friends of the victims involved in the bus crash. His words of condolence underscore the shared grief and solidarity between South Africa and Botswana in the wake of this tragic event. These statements reflect a compassionate response from both government officials, acknowledging the pain and loss experienced by those affected by the accident.