A devastating bus accident marred the Easter festivities in South Africa as a bus carrying worshippers en route to an Easter festival veered off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames on Thursday.
Authorities confirmed the heartbreaking news of at least 45 fatalities, with the only survivor being an 8-year-old child who sustained serious injuries.
According to authorities in the northern province of Limpopo, the tragic incident unfolded when the bus careened off the Mmamatlakala bridge, plunging a staggering 50 meters (164 feet) into a ravine before being engulfed in flames.
Despite ongoing search operations, authorities revealed that many bodies were charred beyond recognition and remained trapped inside the vehicle.
Initial reports suggest that the bus was en route from the neighboring country of Botswana to the town of Moria, renowned for hosting a popular Easter pilgrimage.
It is believed that the driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the tragic accident, with the driver among the deceased.
Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga, who was in Limpopo province for a road safety campaign, altered her plans to visit the crash site, according to the national Department of Transport.
Minister Chikunga conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims and assured that an investigation into the cause of the crash was underway.
The South African government routinely issues warnings regarding road safety during the Easter holidays, recognizing the heightened risks associated with increased road travel. Last year alone, over 200 fatalities were recorded in road accidents during the Easter weekend.
The tragedy unfolded amidst preparations for the annual Easter pilgrimage to Moria, hosted by the Zionist Christian Church, which attracts hundreds of thousands of worshippers from across South Africa and neighboring countries. This year marks the first Easter pilgrimage since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding to the significance of the event for worshippers and their families.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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