Girl, 8, lone survivor as 45 killed in South Africa coach crash
AN EIGHT-year-old girl is the sole survivor after a bus crashed through a bridge railing and fell 160ft.
The 45 other people on board the coach, which had travelled from Botswana to South Africa for an Easter service, were killed when it plunged into a ravine in Mamatlakala in the northern Limpopo province yesterday.
The South African transport ministry said the bus caught fire after it landed. It added: ‘It
is alleged that the driver lost control, colliding with barriers on the bridge, causing the bus to go over the bridge and hitting the ground, where it caught fire.’
Local media also reported that the bus was towing a trailer containing paraffin stoves, which likely contributed to the deadly blaze. Rescue operations continued until the late hours of yesterday evening.
The bodies of some victims were so badly burned they were beyond recognition, while others remained trapped inside the wreckage.
The girl who survived was said to be seriously injured.
A second passenger was airlifted to hospital but died on the journey, local media reported last night.
The accident occurred on a major bridge that links two hillsides near Mamatlakala, which is about 200 miles
‘Travelling to an Easter service’
from Johannesburg. Speaking at the scene, the country’s minister of transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said: ‘I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus crash near Mamatlakala.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.’
Ms Chikunga added: ‘ We continue to urge responsible driving at all times with heightened alertness as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend.’