South African president expresses condolences over fatal bus crash

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday expressed his condolences over a bus crash just before Easter that killed 45 of the 46 people on board.

An 8-year-old child was the sole survivor of Thursday's accident. She was hospitalized.

An investigation continues into an accident in the country's north where a bus fell off a bridge into a ravine and caught fire.

It was heading to Moria from neighboring Botswana. Easter pilgrimages and services in Moria have attracted more than 1 million worshipers in recent years.

President Ramaphosa “expressed his condolences to the Republic of Botswana and to the families and friends of the 45 victims of the bus accident,” the presidential palace said in a statement.

Transport Ministry media officer Vogani Chauke told AFP the investigation was continuing.

“Twelve people were burned beyond recognition and bodies are still being discovered at the scene,” Chowk said.

“The family is in the country to visit the surviving girl.

“She is doing well, receiving treatment and has no major injuries.”

Local authorities said the bus had Botswana number plates, but the nationality of the passengers was still being determined.

He fell from a large bridge connecting two hilly areas near Mamatlakala in Limpopo province, about 300 kilometers north of Johannesburg.

The Transport Minister promised a thorough investigation.

Following his telephone conversation with Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Prime Minister Ramaphosa said the Johannesburg and Gabarone governments were committed to full cooperation.

While South Africa has one of the most developed road networks on the African continent, it also has one of the worst safety records.

Major road accidents commonly occur over the Easter weekend and the December festive season.

Source: guardian.ng