A horrific bus accident along the R518, at the Mma Matlakala Bridge between Marken and Mokopane in Limpopo, has claimed the lives of 45 worshippers.
An eight-year-old girl is the sole survivor of the crash and is recovering at a nearby health facility.
All the victims are Botswana nationals who were reportedly travelling to Moria, for the Easter weekend church service.
“The bus had a total of 46 people on board, including the driver.
“It has a Botswana registration number, and a process to confirm the citizenship of the victims will only commence, after the foreign missions of both South Africa and Botswana had verified their citizenships.
“Only one child, an 8-year-old, survived the accident, and is receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital,” said the Limpopo Transport and Community Safety Department spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene.
According to reports, the driver reportedly lost control, and the bus fell onto a rocky surface, some 50-metres under the bridge and caught fire.
Rescue operations continued until the late hours of Thursday evening, as some bodies were burned beyond recognition, others trapped inside the debris and others scattered on the scene.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences to the Republic of Botswana and to the family and friends of the 45 bus crash victims.
“President Ramaphosa extended his sympathies in a call to President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and pledged the continued support of the South African government during this time of need for the people of Botswana.
“President Masisi expressed his gratitude for the cooperation that the government of Botswana has received from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, as well as from the provincial and local government structures,” said Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya.
The Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, also extended her condolences to the families affected and pleaded with motorists to exercise caution during this Easter weekend.
“I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus crash.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
“We continue to urge responsible driving at all times with heightened alertness as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend,” pleaded Chikunga.
The added that the precise cause of the crash is under thorough investigation.
