At least 45 dead in R518 bus crash, on the way to moria

A tragic bus crash on Thursday claimed the lives of at least 45 people on the R518 near Mokopane, Limpopo. According to the Department of Transport, the bus was reportedly carrying passengers from Botswana to Moria.

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga redirected her journey to attend to the scene while en route to awareness operations in Limpopo.

“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.

With heightened alertness, we continue to urge responsible driving at all times as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend,” Chikunga said.

Tidimalo Chuene, a spokesperson for the provincial transport department, informed News24 that emergency services were actively searching the area along Mamatlakala Road, where the bus apparently plunged over a cliff.

Collen Msibi, spokesperson for the national transport department, stated that the police were issuing updates as the rescue and recovery operations progressed.

“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,” he said.

Chikunga said the cause of the crash was under investigation.

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