A group of pilgrims wanted to travel from Botswana to the city of Moria in South Africa on Thursday to celebrate Easter there. But their bus fell off a bridge, killing 45 people. Only an eight-year-old girl survived.
As the bus crossed a bridge, the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle and crashed into safety barriers, the Department of Transportation said. The vehicle was then thrown over the bridge and fell 50 meters into the depths. After hitting the bottom of the ravine, it caught fire.
Girl survived seriously injured
The eight-year-old surviving child was taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to the local transport authority. The accident took place in the Limpopo province in northern South Africa, about 300 kilometers north of Johannesburg.
The recovery of the bodies was still in full swing on Thursday evening. Many people were burned beyond recognition and were difficult to reach among the rubble of the crashed bus.
South Africa’s Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said at the scene of the accident that the bodies would be returned to their home countries and promised a comprehensive investigation into the accident. Authorities said the victims were pilgrims traveling from the Botswana capital Gaborone to Moria, where a popular Easter celebration takes place.
Call for caution on the roads
“We continue to call for responsible driving and increased vigilance as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend,” the minister said. A few hours before the accident, President Cyril Ramaphosa had already called for caution on the roads during the holidays. Easter “should not be a time when we sit back and wait to see statistics about tragedies and accidents on our roads.”
South Africa has one of the best developed road networks in Africa. However, road safety in the country is poor.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
