A devastating bus accident in South Africa’s Limpopo province has resulted in the loss of numerous lives as worshippers were en route to an Easter conference. According to reports from the country’s transport department, the bus, carrying pilgrims from Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, veered off a cliff in the Mamatlakala mountain pass between Mokopane and Marken. The crash, which occurred on Thursday, claimed the lives of 45 individuals, leaving only one survivor—an eight-year-old girl who has been hospitalized after being airlifted from the scene.
The exact cause of the tragic incident is currently under investigation. Initial reports suggest that the driver lost control of the bus, causing it to plummet onto a rocky surface below the bridge, where it subsequently caught fire. Efforts are underway to recover the bodies of the victims, with authorities facing the grim task of identifying those whose remains were burned beyond recognition or trapped amidst the wreckage.
In response to the tragedy, South Africa’s Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, expressed her condolences to the families affected by the crash. She assured that the government would facilitate the repatriation of the victims’ bodies to Botswana. Chikunga emphasized the importance of responsible driving, particularly during holidays like Easter when increased traffic poses greater risks on the roads.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety measures. As investigations continue to determine the circumstances leading to the crash, communities both in South Africa and Botswana mourn the loss of loved ones and stand in solidarity with those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
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