The reason for the crash is beneath investigation, mentioned South Africa’s Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga.
“Some our bodies have been burned past recognition,” the Division of Transport and Group Security of Limpopo mentioned in a assertion. Others have been trapped by particles, whereas some have been scattered across the rocky crash scene, the division added. The 8-year-old survivor was delivered to a hospital.
One other girl died after she was airlifted from the crash scene, Chikunga informed eNCA.
BREAKING: 45 folks die in a bus crash. One 8 yr outdated survived. Bus was touring from Botswana to Moria. Bus caught fireplace when it crashed and it’s believed most individuals perished to loss of life. #eNCA #Easter pic.twitter.com/oRSiEsEU6J
— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) March 28, 2024
The bus is believed to have been touring from Botswana to Moria, a city in South Africa’s northeastern Limpopo province, the South African Transportation Division mentioned in a assertion. The 46 passengers have been reportedly headed to an Easter weekend church service, in keeping with Limpopo transportation officers.
“I’m sending my heartfelt condolences to the households affected by the tragic bus crash,” Chikunga mentioned on the scene of the accident, in keeping with an announcement from her division. “Our ideas and prayers are with you throughout this tough time.”
The minister urged “accountable driving always with heightened alertness” on condition that extra individuals are on the roads throughout Easter weekend. The minister had introduced the launch of an “Easter Highway Security Marketing campaign” solely eight days prior, citing elevated hazard attributable to heavier site visitors and vacation festivities. The marketing campaign started with prayer periods at numerous areas the place accidents are frequent, the federal government mentioned.
