45 individuals perished in South Africa following a tragic incident where the bus they were aboard careened about 50 meters (165 feet) off a bridge into a ravine, as stated by authorities.

An eight-year-old girl, the sole survivor, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital.

The bus breached a barrier and ignited upon impact with the ground in the northeastern province of Limpopo.

The passengers, who were pilgrims journeying from Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, to attend an Easter service in the town of Moria, were on board.

According to South Africa’s public broadcaster SABC, the vehicle veered off course and plummeted from a bridge on the Mmamatlakala mountain pass between Mokopane and Marken, approximately 300 kilometers (190 miles) north of Johannesburg.

Rescue efforts continued late into Thursday evening, with reports indicating that some of the deceased were challenging to reach amidst the wreckage.

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, upon visiting the scene, extended her heartfelt condolences to the affected families, pledging government assistance in repatriating the bodies and conducting a thorough inquiry into the accident’s cause.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,” she expressed. “We continue to stress the importance of responsible driving, especially with the increased traffic on our roads during this Easter weekend.”

South Africa grapples with a troubling road safety record.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in an Easter message earlier that day, urged citizens to prioritize safety.

“We must strive to ensure a safe Easter,” he urged. “Let us not passively await tragic statistics of accidents and injuries on our roads.”