Fatal Bus Crash Claims 45 Lives in Limpopo

Tragedy struck in Limpopo as a bus carrying pilgrims to Moria for the Easter Weekend church service crashed at the Mmamatlakala bridge along the R518 route. The devastating incident resulted in the loss of 45 lives, leaving only an eight-year-old child as the sole survivor, who was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.

The fatal accident, which occurred as the bus driver reportedly lost control, collided with barriers on the bridge before veering over the edge, plummeting and catching fire upon hitting the ground. According to the statement released by the Department of Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo, the bus carried a Botswana registration number, sparking a verification process to determine the citizenship of the victims following collaboration with foreign missions from South Africa and Botswana.

The Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, expressed profound condolences to the affected families, urging vigilance on the roads, especially during the busy Easter weekend. Chikunga’s official statement conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families impacted by the tragic bus crash near Mmamatlakala, emphasizing the need for responsible driving and heightened awareness given the increased traffic during the holiday season.

The government is working on confirming the nationalities of the victims to facilitate the necessary procedures. The cross-border nature of the incident, involving passengers from both South Africa and Botswana, underscores the complex process of verifying citizenships to ensure dignified repatriation and funerals for those who lost their lives.