THE identification of the victims of the tragic bus accident in which 45 passengers died is set to begin soon.
This was revealed after the Limpopo Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, met and briefed the Botswana High Commissioner to South Africa, Dr Sanji Monageng, and the Dirco deputy director general for Africa, Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo, on Friday 29 March.
The horrific accident happened on Thursday, 28 March on the R518 road outside Mokopane when the driver lost control of the bus and plunged about 50 metres into the Mamatlakala Bridge, which subsequently caught fire.
An eight-old girl is the only survivor and she's receiving medical treatment at the hospital where the delegation visited her.
The victims were from Gaborone in Botswana and were on their way to the annual ZCC St Engenas Easter pilgrimage in Moria outside Polokwane, Limpopo.
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The families of the victims were also present at the briefing. The identification and repatriation of the victims will take place shortly.
Messages of support will also be sent to the families of the victims, the survivor and the country of Botswana.
Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha said his thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims, both in Botswana and South Africa, as they endure this unimaginable loss and grief.
“I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to all those affected by this tragedy. May they find strength, comfort and solace at this difficult time," he said.
Mathabatha urged all motorists to be vigilant and exercise caution, especially in difficult road conditions.
"Let us prioritise safety and responsible driving so that such devastating accidents do not occur in the future. The scenic routes in Limpopo should be avenues of joy and bonding and not places of tragedy and loss,” he said.
Lindy Wilson, the provincial leader of the DA in Limpopo, said they were deeply saddened by the many lives lost in the horrific bus crash.
“This tragic accident highlights the need to increase road safety, improve visibility and increase the effectiveness of traffic controls on our roads during the festive season,” she said.
Timothy Maluleke, provincial leader of Limpopo Build One South Africa (Bosa), said: “The accident has shattered the Easter spirit. Our sympathies go out to the families of the victims. May they find solace.”
