In a devastating incident in South Africa, a bus carrying pilgrims from Botswana to an Easter service met with a horrific fate, resulting in the loss of 45 lives.

The tragedy unfolded when the bus careened off a bridge, plummeting approximately 50 meters (165 feet) into a ravine in the northeastern province of Limpopo.

Among the passengers, only an eight-year-old girl emerged as the sole survivor, albeit with serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention.

The bus, engulfed in flames upon impact, left little chance for escape or rescue for those on board.

The pilgrims were en route from Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, to the town of Moria for the Easter service when the catastrophe struck.

The vehicle, navigating the treacherous Mmamatlakala mountain pass between Mokopane and Marken, lost control, breaching a barrier before hurtling off the bridge.

Efforts to rescue survivors and recover the deceased persisted late into the evening, hampered by the rugged terrain and extensive damage wrought by the crash.

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expressed profound condolences to the families affected and assured support for repatriating the victims’ bodies and conducting a thorough investigation into the accident’s cause.

South Africa, grappling with a grim road safety record, faces renewed calls for vigilance and responsible driving, particularly during the bustling Easter weekend.

President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the collective responsibility to prioritize safety and prevent further tragedies on the nation’s roads.

Amidst the grief and shock of the nation, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and underscores the imperative for concerted efforts to enhance road safety measures and mitigate such catastrophic events in the future.