45 people were killed when a bus allegedly transporting people from Botswana to Moria crashed at the Mmamatlakala bridge on the R518 in Limpopo on Thursday morning.
According to a statement by the transport department, the driver lost control and collided with barriers on a bridge near Mamatlakala, causing the bus to go over the bridge and hit the ground, catching fire.
Some bodies were burned beyond recognition while others were trapped inside the debris or scattered at the scene, the provincial department said.
Only an 8-year-old survived the crash and was receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital, Limpopo’s Department of Transport said in a separate statement.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has sent condolences to the bereaved families and the Botswana government following the horrific bus crash that claimed 45 lives in Limpopo.
“I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus crash near Mamatlakala. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With heightened alertness, we continue to urge responsible driving at all times as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend,” Chikunga said.
This year is the first time the Easter pilgrimage to Moria is set to go ahead since the COVID-19 pandemic.