South Africa bus crashes off cliff, killing 45 Easter worshipers

On Thursday, a Limpopo provincial bus carrying Easter conference attendees crashed off a cliff, killing dozens.

The country's transport department reported 45 deaths and one major injury from the disaster.

SABC stated that an eight-year-old girl was evacuated to hospital as the sole survivor.

It crashed on the Mamatlakala mountain pass between Mokopane and Marken. Fire reportedly started after the bus fell.

The province's transport administration said “according to reports, the driver lost control and the bus fell onto a rocky surface, some 50 meters under the bridge and caught fire.”

According to the announcement, the bodies of the deceased passengers are being recovered.

South African Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said the bodies would go to Botswana, the radio 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. We continue to urge responsible driving at all times with heightened alertness as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend,” Chikunga said in a statement.