Emergency services are combing the scene on the R518. (Supplied/ Tidimalo Chuene)
At least 45 people are dead after a bus crash on the R518, near Mokopane, Limpopo, on Thursday evening.
The Department of Transport said the bus was believed to be transporting passengers from Botswana to Moria.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga was rerouted to the scene while on her way to awareness operations in Limpopo.
“I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus crash, near Mamatlakala. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With heightened alertness, we continue to urge responsible driving at all times as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend,” Chikunga said.
A spokesperson for the provincial transport department, Tidimalo Chuene, told News24 emergency services were combing the scene in Mamatlakala Road, where the bus appeared to have gone over a cliff.
The spokesperson for the national transport department, Collen Msibi, said police were providing updates as the rescue and recovery efforts unfolded.
“It is alleged that the driver lost control, colliding with barriers on the bridge, causing the bus to go over the bridge and hitting the ground, where it caught fire,” he said.
Chikunga said the cause of the crash was under investigation.
