In South Africa, a bus fell off a bridge and fell more than 150 feet on Thursday, killing forty-five people, authorities said. Only one passenger, an 8-year-old girl, survived the crash.
The bus traveling from Botswana to an annual Easter festival at a church in Moria, in the northern South African province of Limpopo.
The bus driver reportedly got lost while crossing the bridge, crashed into the barriers before falling about 50 metres onto a rocky surface, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety said.
Rescue operations continued Thursday night. Some bodies were burned beyond recognition, while others were trapped in the wreckage, the branch said.
A spokesperson for the branch told CBS News that the 8-year-old survivor was a girl. She was being treated at a nearby hospital, the branch did not provide further details about her condition.
Rescuers told local media that the bus was towing a trailer, which added weight to the vehicle as it crossed the bridge.
“I send my deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic turn of fate on the bus near Mamatlakala,” South African Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said at the scene. “We continue to inspire at-fault driving at all times with increased vigilance as more and more people are on our roads this Easter weekend. “
—Sarah Carter contributed reporting.