At least 45 people died today when a bus fell off a bridge in South Africa's Limpopo province, while an eight-year-old boy was hospitalized in critical condition.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the bus was traveling from Botswana to Moria (at the north-eastern tip of South Africa).
"The driver apparently lost control of his vehicle," the statement said, causing the bus to fall from a height of 50 meters and burst into flames.
A total of 46 people were on board the bus, including the driver, according to the same source. The process of identifying the victims is difficult, as many bodies are burned.
The accident happened on a bridge that connects two hills in the Mamatlakala district, about 300 kilometers from Johannesburg. Transport Minister Sindisië Chikunga, who visited the scene of the tragedy, vowed that a full investigation will be carried out into the causes of the accident.
Although South Africa has one of the most developed road networks on the African continent, it still records thousands of road traffic fatalities each year.
Just a few hours before the fatal traffic accident, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called on his countrymen, ahead of the Catholic Easter, to do everything they can to avoid casualties on the roads.
BREAKING: At least 45 people have died following a bus crash in Limpopo, South Africa. https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3
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