On Thursday, a devastating bus crash in South Africa's Limpopo province resulted in the loss of 45 lives, with one person sustaining serious injuries. The incident occurred as the bus, en route to an Easter conference, reportedly lost control and plunged off a cliff in the Mamatlakala mountain pass between Mokopane and Marken.
The passengers on board the bus were pilgrims traveling from Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, to attend the Easter conference at a church. Among the victims was an eight-year-old girl who survived the crash and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
The cause of the tragic accident is currently under investigation by authorities. The bus caught fire upon impact, adding to the severity of the situation. South African Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expressed her condolences to the families affected by the crash and announced plans to repatriate the bodies to Botswana.
In response to the tragedy, Chikunga emphasized the importance of responsible driving and urged heightened alertness on the roads, especially during the busy Easter weekend when more people are traveling. The government is committed to supporting the affected families during this difficult time and ensuring that necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.