NewsA bus in South Africa fell off a bridge and burst into flames. 45 people are dead

A bus in South Africa fell off a bridge and burst into flames. 45 people are dead

Emergency services and rescue workers attend to the site of a bus crash in the Mamatlakala mountain pass in Limpopo province, South Africa, 29 March 2024. According to South Africa's transport ministry, 45 people died in the crash after the bus the previous day drove of a bridge. The bus was carrying passengers from Botswana to town of Moria for a local Easter religious gathering. EPA/Shiraaz Mohamed Dostawca: PAP/EPA.

Images source: © PAP | PAP/EPA/Shiraaz Mohamed

1:11 PM EDT, March 29, 2024

The bus fell from an overpass on a pass between Mokopane and Marken in South Africa's Limpopo province. The vehicle immediately burst into flames. Forty-five people died in the accident, authorities reported.

The tragic accident occurred Thursday about 100 kilometers north of Pretoria, South Africa. Only one eight-year-old child survived the incident and was transported to the hospital, South African television station SABC reported.

According to preliminary information, the driver lost control of the coach, which fell off the bridge. The vehicle burst into flames after the fall. At the time, it contained 46 people along with the driver. The passengers were pilgrims heading from Gaborone, Botswana's capital, to a church in Moria for an Easter service.

Forty-five people were killed in the crash, and one was seriously injured - an eight-year-old girl. CNN reported that the child was transported by helicopter to the hospital.

South Africa has been preparing for a week for increased traffic during the holiday season, assuming that more than a million cars will be on the roads leading to border crossings during this time. 400 additional officers have been called up to ensure security.

The exact cause of the road crash is not yet known. South African Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said the bodies will be flown back to Botswana. "My sincerest condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus crash near Mamatlakala. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We continue to urge you to drive responsibly and be extra vigilant as more people will be on our roads this Easter weekend", said the minister in a statement.