A tragic incident occurred where an 8-year-old child was the only survivor of a bus accident that claimed the lives of 45 people. The bus plunged 165 feet from a bridge into a ravine and caught fire near the South Africa-Botswana border, as reported by the provincial department of transport.
The child, whose identity was not disclosed, is currently receiving medical care at a nearby hospital, according to the Limpopo Province department of transport in South Africa.
The bus was en route from Botswana to Moria, South Africa, for an Easter weekend church service when the driver lost control, causing the bus to plummet off the Mma Matlakala Bridge onto a rocky surface, the statement revealed.
The department mentioned that rescue operations extended late into Thursday evening due to the challenging circumstances, with some bodies burned beyond recognition, others trapped in debris, and some scattered at the scene.
The nationalities of the victims are yet to be confirmed.
South Africa’s transport minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, initiated an Easter road-safety campaign on Wednesday, emphasizing the increased risk of traffic accidents during the holiday period.
“While Easter is a time for joy and festivities, it is also a period when road accidents are more prevalent due to the surge in traffic and holiday celebrations,” cautioned the ministry.
