Deadly Bus Crash In South Africa During Easter Pilgrimage

A view of a bridge over a ravine where a bus plunged onto a mountain pass on Thursday, in the Limpopo Province, South Africa., Friday, March 29, 2024. Authorities say a bus carrying worshippers headed

A tragic bus accident on a mountain pass in South Africa has resulted in the loss of at least 45 lives, with only one survivor, an 8-year-old child, who sustained serious injuries. The bus, carrying worshippers from Botswana to an Easter weekend church gathering in South Africa, veered off the Mmamatlakala bridge in northern South Africa, plunging 50 meters into a ravine before bursting into flames.

Search operations are ongoing, but the intense fire has left many bodies unrecognizable and trapped inside the vehicle, while some were thrown from the bus during the crash. The incident occurred near the town of Mokopane, approximately 200 kilometers north of Pretoria, the South African capital.

Authorities believe that the driver lost control, causing the bus to crash through the barriers on the bridge and plummet over the edge. Tragically, the driver was among those who did not survive the accident.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences, noting that all the victims were believed to be from Botswana and were en route to Moria in Limpopo for an Easter pilgrimage organized by the Zion Christian Church, a popular annual event that draws worshippers from South Africa and neighboring countries.

Accident occurred on Mmamatlakala bridge in northern South Africa.

Bus crash in South Africa kills 45, leaving one child survivor.

Bus carrying worshippers from Botswana to Easter gathering in South Africa.

Driver lost control, causing bus to plunge off bridge and catch fire.

President Ramaphosa offers condolences to victims' families.

Victims believed to be from Botswana en route to Moria for Easter pilgrimage.

South African government pledges support and launches investigation.

Road safety campaign coincides with accident, highlighting holiday travel risks.

Authorities had warned of high traffic volumes on route to Moria.

Tragedy underscores importance of road safety during holiday travel.

The South African government has pledged to assist in any way possible, with Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga visiting the crash site to offer support and investigate the cause of the tragedy. The government's road safety campaign coincided with the accident, underscoring the importance of caution during the busy Easter holiday period, known for increased road travel and risks.

Just prior to the crash, authorities had issued warnings about the high volumes of traffic expected on the route to Moria, emphasizing the need for vigilance. The Zion Christian Church, based in Moria, was preparing for its Easter pilgrimage, the first since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

This devastating incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers associated with holiday travel and the importance of road safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.