South Africa: Girl, 8, only survivor as 45 killed in bus crash
![](https://cdn.classfmonline.com/cfoZ41e/imagelib/thumbs/92641689.jpg)
Forty-five people have died in South Africa after the bus they were in plunged some 50m (165ft) off a bridge into a ravine, authorities say.
An eight-year-old girl, the only survivor, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The bus crashed through a barrier and caught fire when it hit the ground in the north-eastern Limpopo province.
The passengers were pilgrims travelling from Botswana's capital Gaborone to an Easter service in the town of Moria.
The vehicle lost control and went off a bridge on the Mmamatlakala mountain pass between Mokopane and Marken, around 300km (190 miles) north of Johannesburg, according to South African public broadcaster SABC.
Rescue operations went on late into Thursday evening, with some of those killed reportedly hard to reach amid the debris.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, who went to the scene of the incident, extended her "heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus crash".
She said the South African government would help repatriate the bodies and hold a full inquiry into the cause of the crash.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time," she added. "We continue to urge responsible driving at all times with heightened alertness as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend."
South Africa has a poor road safety record.
In an Easter message released earlier in the day, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged citizens to "do our best to make this a safe Easter".
It should "not be a time where we sit back and wait to see statistics on tragedy or injuries on our roads", he added.
Source: BBC
Trending News
Dep. IGP in charge of operations: Akufo-Addo has set Yohonu on conflict course with Dampare - Asiedu Nketia
10:51Withhold July salaries of striking Colleges of Education teachers – GTEC to Accountant General
10:12Napo only encouraged chiefs to influence policies - Fifi Boafo
10:27Atta Mills was a selfless leader – Mahama eulogises ex-boss @12 years’ remembrance event
06:20Dec polls: Be transparent, impartial – Group to EC
10:31Presidential debate: We’re not fronting for any political party - IEA
08:05MoH denies $34.9 million payment allegations in ambulance spare parts deal
10:17Nigerian military rescues Chibok girl
19:20Napo provided evidence of his arrogance to Asantehene with his Nkrumah gaff - Asiedu Nketia
10:16Africa needs a new breed of leaders - Alex Apau Dadey advocates
06:19