45 perished in bus crash in northern South Africa

A bus crash in northern South Africa killed no fewer than 45 pilgrims travelling from Botswana for Easter festivities.

The sole survivor is an eight-year-old girl who is currently being treated in hospital.

Reports say the bus went over the bridge and hit the ground below, catching fire.

South African police confirmed that 31 female and 15 male Botswanan passengers died in the crash, after the driver lost control and collided with barriers on a bridge near Mamatlakala.

A statement from the South African police said “Authorities are still combing the scene for more bodies.”

It added that “Only 34 bodies have been found thus far. Of the 34, only nine are identifiable.”

Some bodies were burned beyond recognition, while others were trapped within the wreckage or scattered over the area.

According to the police statement, authorities have launched a “process to identify and repatriate the deceased’s remains.”

While reacting to the accident, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent his condolences to the families of the victims, his office said in a statement.