A horrific bus accident in South Africa has left 45 people dead and one survivor clinging to life. The tragedy unfolded on Thursday when a bus carrying pilgrims from Botswana careened off a bridge in Limpopo province, northeastern South Africa. The bus plunged a gut-wrenching 50 meters (165ft) into a ravine before bursting into flames.
Miraculously, an eight-year-old girl emerged from the wreckage alive. Though seriously injured, she is currently in stable condition at a nearby hospital. Recovery efforts stretched through the night and continued the following day, hampered by the gruesome task of identifying victims. Limpopo health authorities revealed a heartbreaking detail – body parts from different victims may have been commingled in the chaos, hindering the identification process. This explains why only nine bodies have been positively identified so far.
The bus was transporting pilgrims traveling from Gaborone, Botswana, to a religious gathering in Moria, South Africa, for Easter weekend. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but authorities suspect the driver lost control of the vehicle while navigating the treacherous Mmamatlakala mountain pass, known for its winding roads and sharp turns. Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and vowed a full investigation. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,” she stated.
This tragedy underscores South Africa’s persistent struggle with road safety. Minister Chikunga pointed out the perilous nature of the road involved, highlighting its unsuitability for heavy vehicles like buses. President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed these concerns, expressing his condolences and urging citizens to prioritize safety measures during the busy Easter travel period. His earlier Easter message, released tragically before the accident, had called upon South Africans to “make this a safe Easter.” The nation now grieves the loss of life and fervently hopes for a safer future on its roads.
