8-Year-Old Girl Sole Survivor in Tragic Bus Crash That Kills 45 Easter Pilgrims in South Africa

**A Devastating Accident**

An 8-year-old girl was the only survivor of a tragic bus crash in South Africa that claimed the lives of 45 passengers. The bus, carrying worshippers from Botswana, was en route to Moria for an Easter pilgrimage when it veered off a mountain pass bridge, plummeting over 150 feet into a ravine before bursting into flames.

The incident occurred on Thursday in Limpopo province, highlighting the deadly nature of South Africa’s roads during the Easter period. Authorities had issued multiple warnings about road safety before the accident, emphasizing the heightened risk during the long holiday weekend.

**The Sole Survivor**
Miraculously, the young girl survived despite the horrific crash. She sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital, where officials confirmed she was in stable condition and receiving specialized medical care. Details of her injuries were not disclosed, but authorities assured the public that she was “in safe hands.”

South African health official Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, who visited the crash site and later checked on the girl in the hospital, expressed her concern and focus on the survivor’s well-being. Authorities did not confirm if the child’s family members were among the deceased, as efforts were still underway to identify the victims.

**Challenges in Identifying the Victims**
The intensity of the fire made it difficult for forensic teams to retrieve and identify the bodies. Officials initially recovered 34 bodies but warned that many were burned beyond recognition. Only nine of the recovered bodies were expected to be identifiable.

Authorities in South Africa have requested assistance from Botswana’s religious leaders to help identify the victims. The bus was completely destroyed, with at least 11 bodies still believed to be trapped inside the wreckage.

**Pilgrimage to Moria**
The victims were members of the Zion Christian Church, traveling to Moria for an annual Easter pilgrimage. The church, founded in the early 1900s, has approximately seven million followers across southern Africa. The pilgrimage to Moria is one of the most significant religious gatherings in the region, drawing hundreds of thousands of worshippers.

This year marked the first full pilgrimage since the COVID-19 pandemic, with thousands traveling long distances to take part in the religious event. Unfortunately, for these travelers, their journey ended in tragedy.

**Easter Road Dangers**
Easter is one of the most dangerous travel periods in South Africa, with millions of people commuting across the country. Many travel home to see their families, while others, like the pilgrims in this tragedy, embark on religious journeys.

Last year, South Africa’s Road Traffic Management Corporation recorded 252 road fatalities between Holy Thursday and Easter Monday. The government has consistently urged drivers to take precautions, but accidents remain frequent during this busy season.

**Investigating the Cause**
Authorities believe the crash occurred after the driver lost control of the bus, causing it to slam into the bridge barriers before going over the edge. The driver was among those killed.

South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, was attending a road safety campaign in Limpopo when she received news of the accident. Officials have pledged to investigate the cause of the crash and enforce stricter safety measures.

Local resident Simone Mayema, who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, described the horrific scene: “We tried to help, but there was nothing we could do because there were flames.”

**A Nation in Mourning**
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the victims’ families, calling it a heartbreaking tragedy. The government is working closely with Botswana’s authorities to assist the families and ensure proper identification of the deceased.

As investigators continue their work, the nation mourns the loss of 45 lives and hopes for the full recovery of the brave young survivor.