2024 Mmamatlakala bus crash

South Africa has one of the most developed road networks in Africa but one of the worst safety records. During the four-day-long Easter weekend in 2023, the country recorded 185 fatal automobile incidents that resulted in 225 fatalities. In a statement made hours before the crash, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged South Africans to take caution on the roads during the Easter weekend, stating that the event "does not have to be a time where we sit back and wait to see statistics on tragedy or injuries on our roads." The 2024 pilgrimage was the first in the town since the COVID-19 pandemic. == Crash ==

The bus had a Botswana licence plate and had been carrying pilgrims from the St. Engenas Zion Christian Church in Molepolole, around an hour from Gaborone, who were headed for an Easter church service in Moria. Initial information suggested the driver had missed the turn-off for the much smoother N11 national route. The bus fell off the side of the Mma Matlakala Bridge, in Mmamatlakala between Mokopane and Marken, and into the ravine, catching fire after impact on a rocky surface about under the bridge. It was also pulling a trailer, according to rescue workers, adding additional weight. Rescue operations commenced and continued until the late evening hours. == Casualties ==

Forty-five people died in the crash. She had been accompanied by her grandmother, who died, and was later reported to be in stable condition, with minor lacerations to her arms, legs, head and back. The driver and passengers were all citizens of Botswana. Some of the bodies were burned beyond recognition, while others were hard to reach due to debris scattered over the crash scene. As of 29March, 34 bodies had been recovered from the scene, only nine of them identifiable. On 4 May, a mass funeral for 44 of the victims was held in Molepolole, Botswana. == Responses ==

President Ramaphosa sent condolences to Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and pledged support to the nation. South African Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga travelled to the scene of the crash, where she called for responsible driving during the Easter weekend and offered thoughts and prayers for the victims' families. She added that the South African government would assist in repatriating the corpses to Botswana and hold a full inquiry. ==See also==