A devastating bus crash in South Africa’s northern province of Limpopo has left a trail of heartache, with 45 lives tragically lost and one individual sustaining severe injuries, as confirmed by South Africa’s Department of Transport on Thursday.
The calamitous event unfolded when the bus driver lost control, leading to a catastrophic collision with barriers on a bridge near Mamatlakala. The force of the impact propelled the bus over the bridge’s edge, causing it to plummet to the ground below and erupt into flames, as detailed in an official statement from the transport department.
The bus was carrying Easter pilgrims from Botswana, a neighboring landlocked country in Southern Africa, to Moria, a town in Limpopo, amplifying the profound grief reverberating through multiple communities.
In response to the tragedy, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended heartfelt condolences to Botswana and pledged unwavering support to the nation, as conveyed by his office in a sad statement.
Amidst the devastation, there emerged a miraculous tale of survival as an 8-year-old child managed to escape the wreckage and is currently receiving urgent medical attention at a nearby hospital, as confirmed by Limpopo’s Department of Transport in a separate communication.
The aftermath of the crash painted a grim picture, with some victims burned beyond recognition while others remained trapped amidst the wreckage or scattered across the scene, underscoring the sheer magnitude of the disaster and the urgent need for comprehensive support and assistance for the affected individuals and communities.
As the nation grapples with this profound tragedy, the collective mourning extends across borders, uniting communities in grief while emphasizing the critical importance of prioritizing safety measures and ensuring robust transport infrastructure to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
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