An 8-year-old child is the only survivor of a tragic bus crash in South Africa that claimed the lives of 45 worshippers. The incident occurred on Thursday while the victims were on their way to an Easter festival. Local authorities believe that the driver lost control of the bus, leading to the devastating accident.
According to local officials, the bus in Limpopo province veered off a bridge near Mmamatlakala and plunged 164 feet into a ravine before bursting into flames. As a result of the accident, a child sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital.
The bus was on its way to the town of Moria, known for its popular Easter pilgrimage, from the neighboring country of Botswana. Local authorities have reported that it seems the driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the tragic accident in which the driver also lost their life.
Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga, who was originally in Limpopo province for a road safety campaign, made a decision to change her plans and visit the crash scene instead, according to the national Department of Transport. She expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and mentioned that an investigation was currently underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani, attended the road safety event and emphasized the importance of safe driving during the long Easter weekend. Coincidentally, she visited the scene of the bus crash shortly after the incident occurred.
The South African government frequently cautions about the risks of accidents during the Easter holidays, a period known for its high incidence of road travel mishaps in the region. Tragically, last year witnessed a devastating toll of over 200 lives lost in road crashes over the Easter weekend.
The Zionist Christian Church, based in Moria, serves as the central hub for its Easter pilgrimage, drawing in a multitude of attendees from all corners of South Africa and its neighboring countries. This year marks a significant milestone as the Easter pilgrimage to Moria is scheduled to proceed, marking its first occurrence since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
