45 Dead in Bus Accident in South Africa

At least 45 people have lost their lives in a serious bus accident in South Africa. The bus went off a bridge on a mountain pass and plunged into a gorge. Only an eight-year-old child survived the tragedy.

At least 45 people have died in a bus accident in the South African province of Limpopo. According to a press release from the South African Ministry of Transport, one person survived with serious injuries. Initial findings indicate that the driver lost control of the bus and went off a bridge near Mmamatlakala, plunging into a gorge where the vehicle caught fire.

Only an eight-year-old child survived the accident. The child was severely injured and is now receiving medical treatment. The search operation is ongoing, but many bodies have been burnt beyond recognition and are still trapped in the wreckage.

Victims were apparently pilgrims

Authorities believe the bus was en route from neighboring Botswana to the city of Moria, known as a popular Easter pilgrimage site. It appears that the driver lost control of the vehicle.

South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, was in the province of Limpopo for a road safety campaign. However, she changed her plans and rushed to the accident site, as announced by her ministry. On-site, she stated that investigations into the tragedy had begun. She extended her condolences to the families of the victims.

The government is warning especially around the Easter holidays of the danger posed by traffic accidents. During this time, there is a particularly high volume of traffic. Over the Easter weekend in 2023, more than 200 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in South Africa.