Bus plunges off bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people

bus plunges off bridge in south africa, killing 45 people

Bus plunges off bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people

CAPE TOWN: A tragic incident unfolded in South Africa as a bus carrying worshippers en route to an Easter festival careened off a bridge on a mountain pass, igniting into flames and claiming the lives of at least 45 individuals, as confirmed by authorities.

The sole survivor, an eight-year-old child, sustained serious injuries and was receiving medical attention, reported officials in the Limpopo province.

The fatal crash occurred when the bus veered off the Mmamatlakala bridge, plunging 164 feet into a ravine before catching fire.

Rescue efforts are underway, but the intense flames have left many bodies unidentifiable and trapped inside the vehicle.

Preliminary reports suggest that the bus was traveling from Botswana to Moria town for an Easter pilgrimage when the driver seemingly lost control, resulting in the tragic incident.

Minister of transport Sindisiwe Chikunga, who was in Limpopo province for a road safety initiative, diverted her plans to visit the crash site.

She expressed condolences to the families of the victims and highlighted an ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

The South African government typically issues warnings about road safety during the Easter holidays, a period marked by heightened road travel and associated risks.

Last year alone, over 200 individuals lost their lives in road accidents during the Easter weekend. Moria, home to the Zionist Christian Church’s headquarters, witnesses a substantial influx of worshippers during its Easter pilgrimage, drawing crowds from various parts of South Africa and neighboring nations.

This year’s pilgrimage to Moria marks a significant return after disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

( with input from agency)

For more news like this visit TOI. Get all the Latest News, City News, India News, Business News, and Sports News. For Entertainment News, TV News, and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes

News Related

OTHER NEWS

Guru Nanak Jayanti: Rishi Sunak Highlights Punjabi Heritage In Message, Trudeau Extends Greetings

In a greeting from 10 Downing Street on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak mentioned his Punjabi Indian origin, news agency PTI reported. The 43-year-old ... Read more »

What US easing sanctions on Venezuela, home to world’s largest oil reserves, could mean for India

This report is the second of a three-part series on recent Indian engagement in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. New Delhi: The US’ decision last month to ease ... Read more »

Rajshri Deshpande dedicates OTT award to innocent lives lost in Gaza, Palestine

Rajshri Deshpande dedicates OTT award to innocent lives lost in Gaza, Palestine Actor and social worker Rajshri Deshpande won the Best Actor, Series (Female) award for Netflix’s ‘Trial By Fire’. ... Read more »

‘Ramchandra Keh Gaye…’: From Jan 1, RSS to Spread Word of God, Ayodhya Inauguration Among 10 Crore People

‘Ramchandra Keh Gaye…’: From Jan 1, RSS to Spread Word of God, Ayodhya Inauguration Among 10 Crore People In its effort to take the Ram Janmabhoomi message to households across ... Read more »

Ace designer Rohit Bal critical, on ventilator: report

Ace designer Rohit Bal critical, on ventilator: report Celebrated fashion designer Rohit Bal is in critical condition and is on ventilator support, HT City reported, quoting sources. He has been ... Read more »

Bengaluru: Traffic Advisory Issued, Parking Restrictions In Place As Samyukta Horata Samiti Holds Protest | Details

Bengaluru: Traffic Advisory Issued, Parking Restrictions In Place As Samyukta Horata Samiti Holds Protest | Details The Bengaluru Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for November 27 and 28 ... Read more »

Vistara Flights Diverted Due To Air Congestion At Delhi Airport | DETAILS

vistara flights diverted due to air congestion at delhi airport | details Delhi: Two Vistara flight has been diverted to Lucknow and Jaipur due to bad weather and air congestion ... Read more »
Top List in the World