A horrific accident transpired on Thursday when a bus, filled with passengers en route to an Easter festival, plunged off a bridge in South Africa’s Limpopo province. The bus fell approximately 200 feet, resulting in the death of at least 45 individuals, as reported by local authorities.
The ill-starred bus was ferrying passengers from Botswana to Moria, a town known for its popular Easter pilgrimage. The accident occurred as the bus was crossing the Mmamatlakala bridge. Suddenly, the bus veered off the bridge, plummeting into a ravine before bursting into flames.
In the midst of the catastrophe, a single survivor was found amidst the wreckage – an 8-year-old child who suffered severe injuries. The child was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
The Limpopo provincial government confirmed that recovery operations are ongoing. First responders are working relentlessly to recover bodies from the burnt-out shell of the bus. The intensity of the fire has made many of the bodies unrecognizable, adding a layer of complexity to the identification process.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver may have lost control of the bus just before it veered off the bridge. The driver was among those who tragically lost their lives in the accident. A comprehensive investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the incident.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expressed her deep condolences to the families affected by this tragic event. She has announced plans to personally visit the crash site, as confirmed by the Department of Transport.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are determined to uncover the cause of this tragic event. Their aim is to provide closure to the bereaved families and to implement measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.