Tragedy Strikes as Bus Plunges into Ravine in South Africa, Leaving 45 Dead
In a devastating incident on Thursday, an 8-year-old girl emerged as the sole survivor after a bus carrying 46 people on their way to an Easter weekend pilgrimage in South Africa plunged 165 feet from a bridge into a ravine and burst into flames. The bus was en route from Botswana to Moria, a religious pilgrimage site in South Africa’s northeast, when the driver lost control, leading to the fatal crash.
The Limpopo Province department of transportation in South Africa confirmed that 45 people, including the driver, lost their lives in the tragic accident. The young survivor was rushed to a nearby hospital and is currently in serious condition, receiving medical attention.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa reached out to President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana to offer his condolences following the heartbreaking incident. The crash took place in a picturesque, mountainous area known for its winding roads and scenic views, located approximately three and a half hours north of Johannesburg.
The road where the accident occurred is a popular route for travelers heading to Moria, the headquarters of the Zion Christian Church, especially during Easter weekend. The nationalities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, and the South African authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.
As South Africa gears up for a four-day weekend with public holidays, road safety remains a top concern. The country has a history of high road-fatality rates, with over 12,400 road deaths reported in 2022 alone. The Automobile Association of South Africa has labeled the situation a “national crisis” and called for increased investment in road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of holiday travel and the importance of road safety awareness. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.
