South African bus crash: Cause, How it happened, Deaths, Casualties, Location, Details, Investigations And Recent updates
Here’s a concise breakdown of the tragic South African Bus Crash:
South Africa has a concerning road safety record, and this incident highlights the importance of responsible driving. The Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, expressed her heartfelt condolences to the affected families and pledged government assistance in repatriating the bodies and conducting a thorough inquiry into the cause of the crash. She also emphasized the need for heightened alertness during the Easter weekend, as more people are on the roads.
Cause:
The bus lost control and veered off a bridge on the Mma Matlakala mountain pass also between Mokopane and Marken.
How It Happened:
The bus accident occurred when it lost control and plunged off the bridge.
Deaths:
A devastating 45 people lost their lives in the crash.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
- Body Retrieval: Authorities have retrieved 34 body bags, but only nine bodies have been identified so far.
- Sole Survivor: The young girl survived because she was also ejected from the bus upon impact with the bridge barrier.
- Ongoing Operations: Rescue operations continued late into the evening and resumed the following morning.
Government Response and Condolences
- Transport Minister: Sindisiwe Chikunga expressed condolences and also pledged government assistance.
- Also Road Safety: The incident underscores the importance of responsible driving during the Easter weekend.
- Presidential Messages: Both South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and also Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi expressed sympathy and condolences.
Sole Survivor:
An eight-year-old girl emerged as the sole survivor and was taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Location:
The tragedy unfolded in Limpopo province, situated in South Africa’s north-east.
Details:
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- The passengers were pilgrims traveling from Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, to an Easter service in the town of Moria.
- Despite debris challenges, rescue operations continued late into the evening.
- The South African government expressed deep condolences to the affected families and also pledged assistance in repatriating the bodies.
- Authorities emphasized responsible driving during the Easter weekend due to increased road traffic.
Investigations:
A thorough inquiry into the cause of the crash is underway.
Recent Updates:
As of now, there have been no further updates beyond the initial reports .