Mokopane, South Africa – A tragic bus accident claimed the lives of 45 people as it fell off a cliff in the Mamatlakala mountain pass between Mokopane and Marken. The passengers, who were Easter worshippers traveling for a conference, were predominantly pilgrims from Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana.
The crash resulted in devastating consequences, leaving only one survivor – an eight-year-old girl who was airlifted to the hospital. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by authorities, with reports indicating that the bus caught fire after plummeting off the cliff.
Efforts are underway to recover the bodies of the deceased passengers, with some bodies being burned beyond recognition and others trapped in debris. The South African Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, expressed her condolences to the affected families, pledging to repatriate the bodies to Botswana.
In the wake of the tragedy, Chikunga emphasized the importance of responsible driving and heightened alertness, especially during the busy Easter weekend. The province’s transport department provided details of the crash, stating that the driver lost control of the bus before it fell onto a rocky surface and caught fire.
As the investigation into the accident continues, authorities work tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the fatal crash. The heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance while traveling, particularly during holiday periods when traffic is heightened.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the devastating bus accident in Mokopane, South Africa.