South Africa bus crash: At least 45 dead after vehicle falls off bridge & erupts into flames with child ‘sole survivor’
FORTY FIVE people have died in a horrific bus crash in South Africa.
The bus caught on fire after it was sent tumbling 165ft down a rocky surface with only one person surviving the terrifying ordeal - an eight-year-old girl.
In a statement, the transport ministry said the driver lost control and collided with barriers on a bridge near Mamatlakala in the northeast province of Limpopo, South Africa.
Shocking pictures show the mangled bus smoking on the ground after the fatal fall.
Firefighters can be seen extinguishing the burnt out metal.
The passenger bus was believed to have been transporting people from Botswana for an Easter weekend church service.
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Shocking reports say some of the recovered bodies were burned to such a devastating effect that the victims couldn't be identified.
Many others were found trapped inside the battered carcass of the bus.
The sole surviving child is seriously injured and is being treated in hospital after being airlifted from the scene, reports SABC news.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said: “We want really to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families but also to the government of Botswana and to the people of Botswana.
"As South Africa we will try everything to assist so that they go back to their country and families to be buried with dignity.”
The South African government has launched a full inquiry into the cause of the tragic crash.
They also urged people travelling over Easter to take extra care due to roads being busier than usual.