Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Caryn Dolley
Published on 2024-04-19 14:15:13
The tragic bus crash in Limpopo that claimed the lives of 45 individuals from Botswana last month has left a deep impact on the community. The incident occurred on 28 March 2024, just three days before Easter, when the bus veered off a bridge along the Mmamatlakala Pass. The driver’s alleged mistake of missing a turn-off led to the fatal crash, leaving only an eight-year-old girl as the sole survivor. The young survivor has since returned home to Botswana, as authorities work diligently to identify and repatriate the bodies of the victims.
As of Friday, 19 April 2024, the Limpopo Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba’s office provided an update on the recovery efforts following the crash. A multidisciplinary team has been working tirelessly to identify all 42 victims through DNA processes. On Monday, 22 April, the team was set to finalize plans for the repatriation of the bodies at Mokopane Hospital in Limpopo. Ramathuba commended the team for their professionalism and speed in handling the sensitive situation, emphasizing the need to provide updates on the progress.
In the aftermath of the crash, the South African Police Service confirmed that all passengers, including the survivor, were from Botswana. The passengers hailed from a village called Molepolole near Gaborone, with the bus owner also being a Botswana citizen. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the crash site, expressing condolences on behalf of the South African government to Botswana for the tragic accident that befell the Easter pilgrims on their way to Moria.
The families of the victims await anxiously for the bodies to be repatriated, hoping for closure and mourning the loss of their loved ones. The situation remains somber as authorities work to bring some sense of closure to the deeply affected community. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety measures in preventing such devastating accidents.
As the recovery operations continue, the multidisciplinary team remains dedicated to their task of identifying and repatriating the victims. The collaboration between various agencies and authorities highlights the importance of swift and coordinated efforts in times of crisis. The support and solidarity from both South Africa and Botswana underscore the unity and compassion shared between the two nations in times of tragedy.
Despite the sorrow and grief that pervades the aftermath of the crash, there is hope for healing and closure as the victims are laid to rest in their homeland. The memories of those lost in the tragic accident will forever remain in the hearts of their families and communities, serving as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the need for collective resilience in the face of adversity.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
