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South Africa bus crash kills 45 Easter pilgrims

Eight-year-old girl the sole survivor after vehicle falls about 50 metres from mountain pass

Mona Farag
Mona Farag

March 29, 2024

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At least 45 people were killed in South Africa when a bus carrying Easter pilgrims plunged off a bridge on Thursday.

An eight-year-old girl survived the crash in the north-eastern province of Limpopo, South Africa's Department of Transport said. She suffered serious injuries and is being treated in hospital.

The driver lost control of the bus on a mountain pass near Mamatlakala. The vehicle dropped about 50 metres and caught fire after hitting the ground.

The bus was taking Easter pilgrims from Botswana to the town of Moria, in Limpopo.

South Africa's government often issues public messages about road safety during the Easter holidays, a particularly busy and dangerous time for travel in the country. More than 200 people died in crashes during the Easter weekend last year.

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent his condolences to Botswana and pledged support to the country, his office said in a statement.

The provincial government said many of the of bodies were burnt beyond recognition and remained inside the vehicle.

A bus carrying worshippers on a long-distance trip from Botswana to an Easter weekend church gathering in South Africa plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass on Thursday. The only survivor was an 8-year-old child who was receiving medical attention for serious injuries. AP
A bus carrying worshippers on a long-distance trip from Botswana to an Easter weekend church gathering in South Africa plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass on Thursday. The only survivor was an 8-year-old child who was receiving medical attention for serious injuries. AP
Residents helping the police in search and rescue efforts carry the belongings of victims a day after the accident, on the Mmamatlakala mountain pass. AP
Residents helping the police in search and rescue efforts carry the belongings of victims a day after the accident, on the Mmamatlakala mountain pass. AP
The accident happened about 300km north of Johannesburg. AP
The accident happened about 300km north of Johannesburg. AP
The burnt shell of a bus carrying Easter pilgrims from Botswana to Moria after it plunged off a bridge into a ravine and caught fire in the northern province of Limpopo, South Africa. Reuters
The burnt shell of a bus carrying Easter pilgrims from Botswana to Moria after it plunged off a bridge into a ravine and caught fire in the northern province of Limpopo, South Africa. Reuters
The bus crashed through a barrier on the Mmamatlakala bridge linking two mountainsides. Reuters
The bus crashed through a barrier on the Mmamatlakala bridge linking two mountainsides. Reuters
South African authorities say 45 people were killed. Reuters
South African authorities say 45 people were killed. Reuters
An eight-year-old girl was the only person to be rescued alive. EPA
An eight-year-old girl was the only person to be rescued alive. EPA
The bus was carrying pilgrims from Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, to Moria for an Easter event. AP
The bus was carrying pilgrims from Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, to Moria for an Easter event. AP
Emergency workers arrive at the accident scene. AP
Emergency workers arrive at the accident scene. AP
South Africa has launched an investigation. AP
South Africa has launched an investigation. AP
The bus crashed through a barrier and caught fire when it hit the ground, authorities say. AP
The bus crashed through a barrier and caught fire when it hit the ground, authorities say. AP
The bus fell about 50 metres from the mountain pass, about 300km north of Johannesburg. AP
The bus fell about 50 metres from the mountain pass, about 300km north of Johannesburg. AP
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences over the crash. AP
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences over the crash. AP
Emergency workers gather at the scene. Reuters
Emergency workers gather at the scene. Reuters

South Africa's Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said an investigation into the crash was under way and offered her condolences to the families of the victims.

The Zionist Christian Church has its headquarters in Moria and its Easter pilgrimage attracts hundreds of thousands of people from across South Africa and neighbouring countries, AP reported.

This is the first year the Easter pilgrimage to Moria has been held since the Covid-19 pandemic.

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