A tragic incident occurred when a bus carrying Christians to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge, resulting in the death of 45 passengers. The sole survivor was a child.
Reports indicate that the bus was en route from Botswana to Moria, South Africa, where the Easter festival was set to take place. Moria is a popular destination for Easter pilgrimages and the passengers belonged to the Christian Zionist Church.
Authorities in the local province revealed that the bus lost control on the Mmamatlakala bridge, located along the Kloof Pass in the mountainous northern region of the country. The area is characterized by narrow, sharp bends, as noted by sources such as the Telegraph.
According to a report by Fox News, the bus careened about 164 feet into a ravine before erupting in flames. The bus was towing a trailer filled with flammable materials at the time of the accident.
Tragically, only one person survived the crash – an 8-year-old girl. The driver was among the 45 fatalities. Despite the license plate indicating Botswana origin, authorities faced challenges in identifying many of the deceased due to the severe crash impact.
Given the rugged terrain and perilous conditions at the crash site, recovering most of the bodies might require airlifting them out as some are currently trapped beneath debris.
“It is alleged that the driver lost control, colliding with barriers on the bridge causing the bus to go over the bridge and hitting the ground, where it caught fire,” South Africa’s transport ministry said, per DW.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga assured the public there would be a full investigation into the incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,” she said. “With heightened alertness, we continue to urge responsible driving at all times as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend.”
“We will try everything to assist so that they go back to their country and families to be buried with dignity,” she added.
