Christians are being urged to pray for the families of 45 people who have lost their lives in a bus crash in South Africa.

The group was en route from Botswana to attend an Easter conference hosted by the Zion Christian Church in Limpopo province. Local authorities report that the bus plunged 50 meters into a ravine and caught fire.

The only survivor is an eight-year-old girl, currently hospitalised with undisclosed injuries.

Limpopo premier Stan Mathabatha has urged drivers to remain vigilant and exercise caution, especially when navigating challenging road conditions.

He said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims, both in Botswana and South Africa, as they navigate through this unimaginable loss and grief. I extend my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by this tragedy. May they find strength, comfort, and solace in this difficult time.”

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

The Zion Christian Church, headquartered in Moria, annually draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from South Africa and neighboring countries for its Easter gatherings.

This year marks the first Easter pilgrimage since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.