A bus carrying pilgrims to celebrate Easter left the road on a mountain pass bridge, breaking a protective fence, and plummeted down a 165-foot-high (50-meter) cliff, catching fire when it crashed. against the background. At least 45 people lost their lives in the incident: only an 8-year-old girl survived the impact, according to CNN and British public television (BBC).
The passengers were pilgrims traveling from Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, to a religious service in the South African city of Moria. The vehicle lost control this Thursday in the Mma Matlakala mountain pass, according to the BBC, citing South African public television (SABC), which added that the surviving minor was taken by helicopter to a hospital.
The causes of the incident are being investigated, according to CNN.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragic bus crash,” South African Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said in a statement: “We urge people to be responsible behind the wheel at all times, with special attention now that there are more people in the roads over the Easter weekend.”