Forty-five people have died in South Africa after the bus they were in plunged some 50m (165ft) off a bridge into a ravine, authorities say.

Bus Plunges Off Bridge

An eight-year-old girl, the only survivor, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Tragic Accident

The bus crashed through a barrier and caught fire when it hit the ground in the north-eastern Limpopo province.

Pilgrims on Their Way to Easter Service

The passengers were pilgrims travelling from Botswana's capital Gaborone to an Easter service in the town of Moria.

Details of the Crash

The vehicle lost control and went off a bridge on the Mmamatlakala mountain pass between Mokopane and Marken, around 300km (190 miles) north of Johannesburg, according to South African public broadcaster SABC.

Rescue Operations Underway

Rescue operations went on late into Thursday evening, with some of those killed reportedly hard to reach amid the debris.

Government Response

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, who went to the scene of the incident, extended her "heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus crash".

Government Assistance

She said the South African government would help repatriate the bodies and hold a full inquiry into the cause of the crash.

President's Easter Message

In an Easter message released earlier in the day, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged citizens to "do our best to make this a safe Easter".

Road Safety Concerns

South Africa has a poor road safety record.

Call for Responsibility

President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of responsible driving, especially during the Easter weekend when more people are on the roads.