A devastating accident has rocked South Africa’s Limpopo province, claiming the lives of dozens of worshippers en route to an Easter conference. The bus they were traveling in veered off a cliff, leaving a trail of destruction and grief in its wake.
According to the country’s transport department, the crash resulted in the loss of 45 lives, with one survivor critically injured. Remarkably, the sole survivor is an eight-year-old girl, who has been airlifted to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention, as reported by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
The passengers, described as pilgrims journeying from Gaborone, the capital of neighboring Botswana, were en route to a church for an Easter conference when tragedy struck. The accident occurred in the treacherous terrain of the Mamatlakala mountain pass, situated between Mokopane and Marken. Reports indicate that the bus caught fire upon impact with the rocky surface after its fall.
As authorities launch investigations into the cause of the crash, details surrounding the tragic incident continue to emerge. The province’s transport department revealed that initial reports suggest the driver lost control, leading to the bus plummeting onto the rugged terrain below the bridge before erupting in flames.
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Efforts are underway to retrieve the bodies of the victims, a task compounded by the extent of the devastation. “Some bodies burned beyond recognition,” the local department lamented, while others remain trapped amidst the debris or scattered across the scene.
In response to the tragedy, South African Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expressed condolences to the affected families and pledged government support in repatriating the bodies to Botswana. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,” Chikunga conveyed in a statement, urging heightened vigilance and responsible driving during the busy Easter weekend.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this harrowing incident, the focus remains on supporting the survivors, comforting the bereaved, and uncovering the circumstances that led to this heart-wrenching loss of life.
