Polokwane – Only 34 bodies have been recovered from the horror bus crash scene, where 45 worshippers from Botswana died in a blazing inferno.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) office has confirmed that all persons on board the Limpopo bus accident and one surviving minor were Botswana citizens.
The bus, which was transporting Easter pilgrims from Botswana to Moria, was travelling on the R518 road near Mokopane, Limpopo when it crashed on Thursday.
Moria is a place of spiritual significance, which hosts the largest Christian gathering in South Africa, during Easter and the September festival.
Only one person – a child – survived the horror crash in which the bus crashed through the barriers of the Mma Matlakala Bridge and plunged 50 metres below.
On impact with the ground, the bus caught alight.
On Friday morning, the SAPS said of the 34 burnt bodies recovered only nine were identifiable.
The grim search for the rest of the bodies continues.
“According to the passenger bus list from the owner who is also a Botswana citizen, there were 31 females and 15 males on board the 45-passenger seater taxi,” SAPS said Friday.
“All passengers were from a village called Molepolole, near Gaborone.”
Meanwhile, messages of condolences have been sent to the families of the deceased.
SA Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport said it was “saddened” by the bus crash.
Chairperson Mina Lesoma said: “The committee sends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and fellow congregants.
“This is a bleak Easter not only for religious South Africans but the entire region. People transporting travelling groups, church people, private family campings, and sporting clubs should be vigilant all the time.”
The United Democratic Movement said it, “extends our condolences with the loved ones of the people who so tragically perished in this horrific manner, and we will keep them and the child, who is apparently the sole survivor, in our prayers”.
