South Africa: A bus has fell off from a bridge into a valley in South Africa and killed forty-five passengers out of the forty-six passengers, who were on the board, as told by the Department of Transport.
As per the sources, only a young girl aged 8 was taken to a hospital but has suffered from serious injuries in the accident, according to a transport ministry media officer.
The Police has stated that they are investigating the case in which the driver was also dead. After they allegedly lost control and crashed through the barriers on a bridge in the area covered with mountains near Mamatlakala, 300 km north of Johannesburg.
Reportedly, the bus was plunged 50 metres into the ravine before bursting into flames. The bus was on its way from neighbouring Botswana to Moria, a town in northern Limpopo province that hosts the popular Easter Festival.
The South African police confirmed that 15 men and 31 women who travelled were citizens of Botswana. Transport Minister – Sindisiwe Chikunga examined the scene of the crash and promised to conduct a full investigation on case.
The Minister said, “We really want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and also to the government of Botswana and to the people of Botswana.”
“As South Africa, we will try everything to assist so that they go back to their country and families to be buried with dignity,” said the transport minister.
Moreover, Transport Ministry Media Officer – Vongani Chauke said that the family members were coming to the country to visit the girl who survived.
The media officer confirmed that the girl is fine, has received medical attention, and does not have any serious injuries.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences to Botswana and promised to support them.
In the search operation, some bodies were found burned beyond recognition and were still trapped inside the vehicle.
South Africa has one of the most developed road networks of the African continents but has one of the worst safety records.
A few hours before the crash, Ramaphosa had appealed to South Africans to take care when travelling during the Easter holidays.
The president said in a statement, “Let’s do our best to make this a safe Easter. Easter does not have any time to sit back and wait to see the statistics on tragedy or injuries on our roads.”
The president of Estonia, Alar Karis, took to ‘X’ to extend ‘heartfelt condolences’ to Masisi, adding that he was ‘deeply saddened by the news’.
Also, the Turkish embassy in Gaborone said on ‘X’ that “thoughts of the families were affected by this tragedy.”