Tragedy in South Africa: Schoolchildren Found Dead After Bus Swept Away by Floods
The search for schoolchildren who were swept away by floodwaters in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has resumed after being halted overnight. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday morning when a school bus attempting to cross a flooded bridge in the town of Mthatha was carried away by the rising waters.
So far, eight bodies have been recovered, including that of the bus driver, according to Eastern Cape community safety official Xolile Nqatha, who spoke to private broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.
Three children were rescued on the same day, reportedly found clinging to trees, but officials are still uncertain about the total number of pupils who were on the bus. The vehicle has since been located on a riverbank, empty.
On Wednesday morning, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the site of the disaster to observe the ongoing rescue efforts and offer support to the affected communities. He acknowledged the severity of the situation but commended the emergency services for their prompt and coordinated response.
The disaster comes amid a wave of extreme winter weather sweeping across South Africa. Heavy snowfall, relentless rains, and gale-force winds have battered several regions, leading to the deaths of at least 14 people.
President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the families affected and urged South Africans to remain cautious and cooperative as the severe weather continues. The Eastern Cape, along with KwaZulu-Natal, has been among the hardest hit, prompting authorities to close several major roads to prevent further loss of life.
