At least 45 Batswana worshippers have reportedly died following a horrific bus accident in Limpopo, South Africa.
According to multiple media reports from South Africa, the bus headed to a pilgrimage fell off a bridge in Mamatlakala, Limpopo. The accident reportedly claimed 45 lives and left one person seriously injured.
According to a statement by the South African Department of Transport, the country's minister of transport Sindidiwe Chikunga expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased. The statement says the minister was rerouted to the crash scene while on her way to Road Safety Operations along the road en route to Limpopo.
The Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, extended her deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus crash that occurred on Thursday, March 28 2024, near Mamatlakala, 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. We continue to urge responsible driving at all times with heightened alertness as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend," Minister Chikunga said.
The statement further says SAPS continues to provide updates as the rescue and recovery efforts unfold. It is alleged that the driver lost control, and collided with barriers on the bridge causing the bus to go over the bridge. It is reported that the bus caught fire soon after hitting the ground.
"The Minister assures the public that the precise cause of the crash is under thorough investigation. The scene was attended to by SAPS Tinmyne and the Limpopo Accident Response Team," the statement says.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi has since expressed his deepest condolences to the families affected by the heartbreaking accident.
