Tragedy Strikes as Bus Plunges in South Africa: 45 Dead, Sole Survivor an 8-Year-Old Girl

South Africa is reeling from a devastating bus accident that claimed the lives of 45 individuals after the vehicle careened off a bridge and plummeted approximately 50 meters (165 feet) into a ravine. The lone survivor, an eight-year-old girl, suffered severe injuries but is now in stable condition.

The bus, carrying pilgrims en route from Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, to an Easter service in Moria, crashed through a barrier and burst into flames upon impact with the ground in Limpopo province’s northeastern region.

While 34 body bags have been retrieved from the crash site, only nine bodies have been identified thus far, highlighting the severity of the incident.

Authorities suspect that the young survivor was ejected from the bus upon impact with the bridge’s barrier, which ultimately led to her survival.

Rescue efforts continued late into the night and resumed the following morning, as officials worked tirelessly to recover victims and investigate the cause of the tragedy.

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expressed her condolences to the affected families and assured them of government support in repatriating the deceased and conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the accident’s circumstances.

South Africa, known for its poor road safety record, faces heightened scrutiny over the condition of the road where the accident occurred, described as winding and treacherous.

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi also extended condolences, emphasizing the tragic nature of the crash and expressing solidarity with the victims’ families and their church community.

President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed sentiments of sympathy, urging citizens to prioritize safety during the Easter weekend and emphasizing the need for responsible driving to prevent further tragedies on the country’s roads.