IN a devastating turn of events, a bus careened off a bridge into a ravine in South Africa, engulfing in flames and claiming the lives of 45 individuals aboard, leaving only one survivor, an eight-year-old child with severe injuries, as confirmed by the Transport Ministry.
‘The situation is tragic beyond words. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected,’ lamented Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, who promptly visited the site to oversee the aftermath and assure affected families of support.
The harrowing incident unfolded on Thursday near Mmamatlakala in Limpopo province, about 300 kilometres north of Johannesburg. Eyewitnesses described the bus’s plunge from the bridge linking two hillsides, with the driver reportedly losing control before colliding with barriers and careening over the edge, igniting upon impact with the ground.
‘The driver lost control, and the bus veered off course, striking the bridge’s barriers before hurtling into the ravine,’ shared a local official, reflecting the preliminary findings of the investigation.
Rescue operations persisted into the late hours of Thursday, with responders grappling with the complexities of the scene. ‘We encountered immense challenges, from bodies burnt beyond recognition to individuals trapped amidst the debris,’ disclosed a spokesperson from the Limpopo Department of Transport.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences, acknowledging the tragedy’s profound impact on the nation. ‘This is a sombre reminder of the fragility of life. Our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time,’ remarked President Ramaphosa, urging heightened vigilance in road safety measures, particularly during the Easter travel period.
As authorities launch a comprehensive inquiry into the accident’s cause, questions loom over the broader implications for South Africa’s road safety infrastructure and regulations, underscoring the urgency of preventative measures to avert similar tragedies in the future.