A devastating bus accident in Limpopo, South Africa, resulted in 45 fatalities, leaving an 8-year-old as the sole survivor. The bus, carrying worshippers to an Easter festival, plunged into a ravine, igniting calls for improved road safety.
In a tragic incident in South Africa’s Limpopo province, a bus accident resulted in the death of 45 people, leaving a sole survivor—an 8-year-old child who is currently being treated for serious injuries. The accident occurred as the bus, carrying worshippers from Botswana to Moria for an Easter festival, veered off the Mmamatlakala bridge and plunged 50 meters into a ravine before bursting into flames. Many victims were burned beyond recognition, complicating rescue efforts.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, after visiting the crash site, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and underscored the need for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. The incident has prompted a national outpouring of grief and calls for increased road safety, particularly during the Easter holidays—a period known for a higher incidence of road accidents. In the previous year, over 200 fatalities were recorded during the Easter weekend alone.
The bus was en route from Gaborone, Botswana, to the town of Moria, home to an important Easter pilgrimage organized by the Zionist Christian Church. This year’s pilgrimage marked a return following a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing thousands of worshippers from across the region.
Authorities and President Cyril Ramaphosa have emphasized the importance of vigilance and responsible driving during this time, as efforts are underway to provide support to the affected families and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the tragedy. The South African government has also pledged to assist in repatriating the bodies of the victims.
